Chelsea Women's boss Emma Hayes revealed she is excited about Chelsea' s new era after having lunch with men's manager Graham Potter and owner Todd Boehly.
The club's new owners spent over £320million on new transfers for the men's team in January, but the women had a quiet window, only bringing in one player, Maika Hamano, who was immediately loaned out for the rest of the season. Chelsea's new owners have committed to spending a further £1.75bn to invest in the club, though, with reports suggesting the women's team could get their own dedicated stadium.
And following a productive lunch meeting at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, Hayes is optimistic about the direction the new ownership group are heading in and believes the club has never been so united during her time as manager. "The other day I had lunch with Graham (Potter) and Todd (Boehly) and Behdad (Eghbali, co-owner)" Hayes told Chelsea's website. "It's a family here. It's more of a family here than it's ever been.
"And as a football club, I think we have to be excited about the new era and I know from our owners they're doing their best in a really short space of time to help us go to the next place.
"We had a great lunch the other day, all four of us, and it was a really warm, lovely environment, and a lovely lunch."
Hayes is looking to lead her side to a Conti League Cup final when they take on West Ham on Thursday night, the first trophy up for grabs this season. Ahead of the tie Hayes praised Hammers boss Paul Konchesky, who she believes has done a "great job" with his team and says Chelsea won't underestimate their opponents in the semi-final clash.
The two sides meet with the winner earning to the right to play Arsenal in the final at Selhurst Park on March 5, Chelsea having lost to Man City in last years' final. West Ham earned a 0-0 draw against title contenders Arsenal last weekend after a resolute display at the back.
Konchesky's team didn't have a shot in the second half but defended heroically to frustrate the Gunners. And Hayes is wary of a repeat performance on Thursday night and says her team realise how difficult their London rivals will be to break down.
"They will be absolutely up for it," Hayes added. "They've kept four clean sheets in-a-row and what a performance on Sunday against Arsenal.
"I thought they defended their box extremely well. I think Paul (Konchesky) has done a great job with them and they're really organised out of possession.
"They also have a ton of threats, especially in the transition and on set pieces. Our team are very, very clear about how hard it will be to score a goal against them. We know there is a cup final place at stake. But we have to very much be up for it.
"I knew that Paul needed a bit of time. He has been able to bring in players to help with that. But he has a real underdog mentality with that group and they know they are punching hard for him and the club.
"We don't underestimate them, not at their home and I think it'll be a tough slog for them tomorrow night."
Hayes also admitted the team are ready for a break after the all-capital semi-final, with a weekend off from WSL action. Chelsea don't play again for another 17 days after the West Ham game, when they face Arsenal in the fifth-round of the Women's FA Cup.
"We will use it to mentally refresh," she said. "I always find this the hardest block and so do the players.
"There is no hot weather in sight, there is a fair bit of rain, cold and frost in sight. It is a long month for a lot of people. But we're in February the sun is shining, spring is not far away and in 17 days time (when Chelsea play Arsenal) I hope I can take off that big coat and enjoy it."
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