In the world of football, decisions are often made in a split second, just like a perfectly timed pass or a game-winning goal. And for Emma Hayes, the legendary manager of Chelsea’s women’s team, one such decision recently grabbed the headlines. Emma Hayes, known for her remarkable achievements in women’s football, has decided to leave Chelsea after 12 years at the helm and take on a new challenge as the manager of the United States women’s national team.
But what made this decision even more intriguing was the fact that Hayes chose to ditch a conversation with none other than Mauricio Pochettino, the manager of Chelsea’s men’s team, in favor of taking a call from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, former manager of Manchester United. It’s not every day you tell Pochettino to wait, but when Sir Alex is on the line, it’s a different story altogether.
Emma Hayes, who has accumulated an impressive collection of 13 major trophies with Chelsea since her arrival in 2012, spoke about this pivotal moment. “We had a chat last week, he rang me, but I was in the middle of talking to Poch, so I was torn,” Hayes revealed. “There’s not many people you tell Poch to wait for, but I did say to him it was Sir Alex.”
Ferguson’s influence in the football world is undeniable. With 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, two Champions League trophies, and a host of other accolades during his tenure at Manchester United, he stands as a true legend of the game. Hayes spoke with admiration about the impact of Sir Alex’s words. “Anything he says to me, I always take with such pride. He is a legend of the game, and someone whose opinion I value,” she said.
Their conversation touched on various topics, including the allure of America and the concept of legacy. Hayes is set to embark on a new chapter in her career, and she expressed her gratitude for the wisdom Ferguson shared with her during their conversation. “We talked a little bit about that, a little bit about legacy, a little bit about leaving at the top. So there were wise words from him. I’m sure it won’t be the last phone call I get from him this season,” she added with a smile.
While Hayes is excited about her upcoming journey with the United States women’s national team, her decision to leave Chelsea has not been without its emotional moments. She confessed that her family, who are die-hard Chelsea supporters, were devastated by her departure. “My family are devastated – they are Chelsea,” she said.
However, Hayes emphasized that this opportunity was a once-in-a-lifetime chance that she couldn’t pass up. “It’s not every day that opportunity is going to come up in life, and I never saw it coming,” she explained. “It’s all of those things that were the deciding factors.”
As Hayes looks ahead to the future, she’s determined to make the most of her remaining time with Chelsea’s fans. “I feel guilty, I feel like I’m abandoning my family. It’s in my heart,” she admitted. “Any moment I have with the fans, I always enjoy, but every moment I have with them until the end will feel special.”
Her legacy at Chelsea is already established, but Hayes is not done yet. She concluded by saying, “I’ve given fans and the community a team that people can identify with, and they can enjoy watching. I’m not done yet, there’s a lot of winning to do this year.”
As Emma Hayes prepares to bid farewell to Chelsea and embark on a new adventure, the football world will be watching closely, knowing that wherever she goes, success is sure to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Football Decision
Why did Emma Hayes choose to leave Chelsea after 12 years?
Emma Hayes decided to leave Chelsea to take on the role of manager for the United States women’s national team. She saw this as a unique opportunity in her career and didn’t want to pass it up.
What was the significance of her conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson?
Emma Hayes chose to take a call from Sir Alex Ferguson over talking to Mauricio Pochettino because of the immense respect she has for Ferguson. His legendary status in football and valuable insights influenced her decision-making process.
How does Emma Hayes feel about leaving Chelsea, especially considering her family’s connection to the club?
Emma Hayes acknowledges that her family, who are devoted Chelsea fans, were devastated by her departure. She described it as a tough decision, but one driven by the exceptional opportunity and the need to avoid overstaying her welcome at the club.
What does Emma Hayes aim to achieve in her remaining time at Chelsea?
Hayes is determined to make the most of her time at Chelsea, aiming to continue winning and leaving a lasting legacy for the fans and the community.
What can we expect from Emma Hayes as the manager of the United States women’s national team?
As the manager of the US women’s national team, Emma Hayes will bring her wealth of experience and winning mentality to the squad. Her tenure is highly anticipated, and she aims to continue her success on the international stage.
More about Football Decision
- Emma Hayes to leave Chelsea and become manager of USA women’s national team – BBC Sport
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary career – Manchester United Official Website
- Emma Hayes’ legacy at Chelsea – Chelsea FC Official Website
- Emma Hayes’ decision and its impact on her family – Sky Sports
