Chelsea women’s boss Emma Hayes said ‘winning the Champions League won’t define her’, as they head into their quarter-final second leg against Ajax, already leading 3-0.
The legendary Chelsea manager is leaving at the end of this season and only has European silverware left to collect for her trophy cabinet.
Goals from Lauren James and Sjoeke Nusken’s brace have put the Super League leaders in control of the tie, but Hayes knows they can’t and won’t settle on their advantage.
“The fear of losing or not being in that semi-final is for us as big a drive as the desire to win, no one in that dressing room will take the game lightly,” she said.
“When a team has nothing to lose and are 3-0 down, they can play with freedom and are often the most dangerous opponents.
Six Super League titles, five FA Cup’s and two League Cup’s. Hayes’ legacy in the women’s game is cemented forever, especially with Chelsea on the verge of a fifth consecutive league triumph.
They reached the final once before, but were emphatically beaten 4-0 by Barcelona in 2021. The Spanish side, who are the defending champions, remain in the competition and will no doubt be the toughest hurdle for Hayes to overcome this season.
Embed from Getty ImagesBut she insists if she doesn’t win the one trophy she’s missing, it won’t define her era at Chelsea.
“Of course if I was able to win the Champions League here it would be another unbelievable achievement,” said Hayes.
“But I’ve said time and time again, for my era to be defined by one competition is not what matters most to me.”
“What matters most is leaving Chelsea in a better place and I’m most invested in leaving the team in a fabulous place, it certainly is better than when I first took over.”
“I can come back as a fan and enjoy the team winning plenty of Champions League’s after my time.”
