Emma Hayes says stress of managing Chelsea made her unwell

Hayes also said she is looking forward to testing herself against England manager Sarina Wiegman for the first time.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Sarina. I love Sarina,” she told BBC Sport’s Jo Currie.

“We had a great relationship when I was at Chelsea. She’s someone I really look up to, and someone who’s done an amazing job for football in this country and for the Lionesses. So I look forward to giving her a hug on Saturday and saying ‘hi’.”

Hayes also spoke in support of another of her former Chelsea players, Sam Kerr, who recently announced she is expecting her first child with her partner, West Ham and USA midfielder Kristie Mewis.

Kerr and Mewis were abused on social media following their announcement, with Chelsea deleting a congratulatory post because of homophobic comments.

“I think Sam’s going to be an amazing mum,” said Hayes. “When Harry [Hayes’ son] used to come to the training ground, he always gravitated towards Sam with her natural warmth.

“It’s not shocking to hear the abuse they suffered, but I know she’s tough enough to move past that and she’s not someone who expects an easy ride with anything. I just think, for those of us in the women’s game, we’ve just come to expect that.

“It doesn’t make it right, and it is unacceptable, but one where I know Sam will manage that and put all her energy into making sure her and Kristie hopefully go through the pregnancy with no bother and bring their baby into the world.”