Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Barry Glendenning

Emma Hayes’ long goodbye and the farewell tour narrative

Emma Hayes and Jürgen Klopp
Two soon-to-be former managers in England. Composite: Getty Images

EARLY (REVOLVING) DOORS

A little over a month ago the Chelsea women’s team were still in contention for a quadruple, but now the odds are massively stacked against them winning any shiny pots at all. It is a scenario that seemed utterly unthinkable when their charismatic manager announced in November she’d be taking herself through the door marked “Do One” come season’s end, but on Wednesday night even Emma Hayes conceded it is one that is almost certain to come to pass. No stranger to adversity on and off the field, Hayes has suffered a series of setbacks since it was revealed she was off to take charge of USA USA USA. Always fond of an eff and a jeff on the touchline, blue has been the colour of the air over assorted technical areas in which she has stood watching her team get knocked out of three different cup competitions and all but relinquish their stranglehold on the Women’s Super League title, capped by losing a seven-goal thriller at Liverpool. With the finishing line very much in sight, the WSL title – like its men’s equivalent – is now Manchester City’s to lose.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.