Chelsea boss Emma Hayes believes Chelsea are reveling in their WSL title race with Manchester United. Prior to Sunday’s FA Cup final between the two title contenders at Wembley, Chelsea thrashed Leicester 6-0 in a devastating display to cut the gap between themselves and Manchester United. Hayes enjoys the new energy of this season’s closing stages, even if Chelsea holds the trophy in their hands because they have a game in hand over United.
“I enjoy being in this position and exerting pressure on people. Although I don’t mind being there (top), I enjoy this. This entire year, we have been in pursuit and have consistently been behind one or two games. It’s good to see the margin closing, and now we need to put Man United under pressure as we’re still in second place and not in the driver’s seat,” Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said. “Though we’ve had to find methods to triumph without flashy play, I believe our self-assurance is at an all-time high right now. We’re in the greatest situation of the entire season right now. What I want to do on Sunday is clear to me. The team is doing well, and I’m pleased with everyone on the club. I know precisely how we want to play.”
Hayes praised Chelsea’s performance in Wednesday night’s thrashing of Leicester because it tied Chelsea and United on goal differential (+42), a crucial variable in the championship battle.
“I let the team know that we hadn’t been very clinical in our early-season play. We just haven’t converted or created like I know this team does, but we are doing it now and at the ideal time of the season. I certainly hope that continues,” she added. “Whether it will make a difference or not will be left up to the experts and analysts. The answers are all in the end. We are now in a great flow, and I like where the season is right now. In the Sunday cup final, we have a lot of confidence.”
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