Chelsea: Emma Hayes ‘absolutely leaving at the right time’

Emma Hayes said she is “absolutely leaving at the right time” as her 12-year tenure in charge of Chelsea came to an end.

The 47-year-old bowed out with her fifth successive Women’s Super League title and her seventh overall.

An emphatic 6-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford means Hayes departs with 14 major honours, including five FA Cups and two League Cups.

In a thrilling finale to the WSL season, Chelsea pipped Manchester United to the title on goal difference.

“It has taken its toll,” Hayes said. “I categorically cannot carry on. I don’t have another drop to give it.

“There is so much of the job, dealing with people, and when you deal with people I have such high standards for myself that maintaining that has become impossible.

“I can’t keep up with the demands from players on a daily basis, in terms of their emotional needs, in terms of everything, and I’ve found that to be gruelling this year.

“I hope that the club really supports the new manager to get player care and a little bit more performance psychology.

“I really believe in the wellbeing, even though I can’t take care of it in the same way.

“I’ve made my suggestions to the sporting directors and I know they’ll take it on. It was lovely to have them here today.”