Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is ‘excited to be in front of a packed crowd’ at Stamford Bridge, as they face Arsenal in a crucial top of the table clash in the Women’s Super League.
Arsenal head to Chelsea needing to win to keep up with Hayes’ side who top the table, three points clear of Arsenal. But Jonas Eidevall’s team may have an edge over the reigning champions this season, beating them 4-1 in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium.
The two London rivals meet in the Conti Cup final at the end of the month, so this game will be a good preview of what’s to come when they meet at Molineux on the 31st March.
Hayes, who is leaving her role as manager after a historic 11 years, loves the rivalry with Arsenal and knows how important it is to win on Friday night.
“We all know the importance of the rivalry with our neighbours, both teams want to win. I’m always excited around the growth of the game itself,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to a packed crowd. I know how much effort’s gone into that, I really hope we capitalise on that, our rivals Arsenal have done really, really well off the pitch.
“Jonas and I have played against each other plenty of times and I’ll miss these games. I always enjoy them with Jonas, not during the game, but yeah I’m looking forward to it.”
Eidevall, who’s been Arsenal boss for three years, is yet to win the Super League with Hayes and Chelsea winning the last four.
The script it set for Hayes to bow out with yet another title, but Arsenal have the quality to spoil it all. However, Eidevall isn’t thinking of the title race and just focusing on the game at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s not a thought that’s in my head. The only thought that is in my head is what we need to do to maximise our way to win the game. That’s where 100% of my focus is on,” he said.
“Emma is a very, very intelligent person to have conversations with about the game and I’ve really enjoyed those conversations.
“The one thing I am going to miss is the competition.”
Watch Emma Hayes’ full press conference here:
