Hayes says ‘time is right’ for Chelsea exit amid USWNT reports،
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says “the time is right” to leave the club after 12 years in charge of the six-time Women’s Super League (WSL) champions.
Sources told ESPN that Hayes is reportedly set to be named the new head coach of the United States women’s national team after the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) approved her hiring.
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Hayes will leave Chelsea at the end of the season “to pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football“, the club announced in a statement last Saturday.
As the longest-serving manager of a WSL team for eight years, Hayes has been at the forefront of the development of women’s football in England and has pushed the boundaries of professionalism. But after more than a decade in the role, and now with a young son at home, Hayes said timing was key to his decision to accept a new challenge.
“I have been in this position for 12 years and have dedicated my life to this place [Chelsea]”Hayes said at a news conference Friday. I’ve been driving four hours to this place, six days a week for 12 years.
“I have a five-year-old who needs more from his mum, that’s for sure. It’s important. Family matters. I think I’ve dedicated as much as I can to this football club. I loved every minute of it.”
Sources confirmed to ESPN that Hayes’ contract would be a record for women’s soccer and that making Hayes’ salary equal to that of U.S. men’s national team manager Gregg Berhalter has been discussed during a USSF board meeting.
Hayes refused to act on reports linking her to the USWNT managerial vacancy and reiterated that the only contract she has in place is with Chelsea.
“I have a team to focus on, I have games to win,” she said.
Hayes added that she would be involved in formulating the team’s “succession plan” as the west London club seeks to ensure it continues to dominate domestic women’s football in England.
“I think it’s really important that, if possible, we can create a succession plan for me, much like Paul Green [Chelsea women’s general manager] and I do it for the players,” Hayes said.
“The time is right. I will work with the club on the succession plan and do everything I can to ensure there is as good a transition as possible so that my successor can have the same level of success than me.
“I think it will be up to Chelsea to plan my succession, so of course I will be involved in those conversations. It’s important that we really take the time to assess what the best solution will be.”
