Emma Hayes refuses to comment on USA Women’s national team role

Emma Hayes has explained the reasons for her decision to leave Chelsea but refused to discuss the reports linking her with the USA Women’s national team.

Hayes is in talks with US Soccer over becoming the new head coach of the women’s national team.

“I’m not going to comment on that,” the 47-year-old said when asked about the role in the States.

“I’ve been in post for 12 years and dedicated my life to this place. I drive four hours every day, six days a week, for 12 years. I have a five-year-old that needs more of his mummy, for sure. Family matters. That’s important. I’ve dedicated as much as I can to this club, I’ve loved every minute and I think it’s important, if possible, to create a succession plan - like me and [general manager] Paul [Green] do with the players.

“The time is right. I will work with the club and do everything I can to make sure there is as good a transition as possible so my successor can have as much as success as I have.”

Emotional week for Hayes

She added: “It’s a day I never wanted to see come but I feel like I have to put myself first. You dedicate so many hours to this job and I’ve given it everything I can.

“It’s easy to say it’s about work-life balance. But maybe it’s about having something different more than anything else. I’ve taken this team to the top and always said I wanted to leave at the top and I maintain that’s what I want to do. I’d struggle going backwards or outstaying my welcome.

“It’s not easy to leave at the top, having a world-class team, but it’s something I made a promise to myself I’d do.”

Chelsea record

Hayes has won six WSL titles and five FA Cups during her 11 years at Chelsea, who are disappointed by her decision to leave at the end of the season.

She gave birth to her son Harry in 2018 and international management would enable her to spend more time with her family. The experienced coach previously managed in the United States when she was in charge of Chicago Red Stars.