Chelsea Anticipate European Semi-Final Berth – Hayes
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is confident that her team will secure a place in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League this season. After dispatching Dutch side Ajax, Chelsea has reached the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. Although they were beaten by champions Barcelona in the semi-finals last season, Hayes believes that Chelsea has what it takes to go even further this time.
Consistency in the Champions League has been a hallmark of Chelsea’s success in recent years. Hayes proudly points out that in the last five years, Chelsea has only failed to qualify from the group stage once. In every other year, they have made it to the latter stages of the competition. With this impressive track record, Hayes sees no reason why her team shouldn’t be aiming for a spot in the semi-finals.
“We expect to be here, I should say that,” Hayes confidently declares. Chelsea’s progress in Europe has been steady, and she believes that her team belongs at this level. Despite facing tough opponents, Chelsea has developed a depth in their squad that allows them to make strategic changes and adapt to different challenges. Hayes acknowledges that they haven’t won anything yet, but she is pleased with their current standing and looks forward to the next stage of the competition.
The prospect of facing Barcelona again in the semi-finals is a possibility for Chelsea. Barcelona currently holds a 2-1 aggregate lead over Brann going into the second leg of their quarter-final tie. If both teams advance, it would set up an exciting rematch between last season’s semi-finalists. Hayes knows that defeating Barcelona won’t be easy, but she remains confident in her team’s abilities.
Hayes’s aspirations for this season go beyond just the Champions League. She hopes to guide Chelsea to an unprecedented quadruple, with the team currently sitting at the top of the Women’s Super League, preparing for the Women’s League Cup final against Arsenal, and facing Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals next month. Winning is a core value for Hayes, and she emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the role that each player has to play.
“We love winning,” Hayes states passionately. She believes that success comes from counting on each other and trusting the squad as a whole. Throughout the season, different players will have varying levels of involvement, but Hayes has faith in each member of her team. She knows that injuries can be a setback, but she commends her players’ resilience and their ability to recover.
Despite Hayes’s impending departure to manage the United States women’s national team in the summer, she remains focused on achieving success with Chelsea before her departure. With a strong squad and a determined mindset, Chelsea is in a strong position to challenge for multiple trophies this season. The road to the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League is just one step in their journey, and Hayes is ready to lead her team to glory.