Chelsea’s head coach, Emma Hayes, expressed regret for her recent remarks regarding player relationships, emphasizing that professionalism within the Women’s Super League team’s dressing room is not in question.
In a statement on Thursday, Hayes referred to player-to-player relationships as “inappropriate”, raising concerns about potential managerial challenges. However, she now clarifies that her intention was not to criticize her players’ professionalism.
Following Hayes’ initial comments, Chelsea defender Jess Carter endorsed several social media posts on platform X that disputed the manager’s statement.
After Chelsea’s triumphant 3-1 victory over Arsenal on Friday, Hayes addressed the media, acknowledging her conversation with Carter and other players. She stated, “They know exactly who I am and what my intentions were.”
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Hayes continued, acknowledging her misstep, “But I have to expect that – I’m supposed to be the most well-trained, non-clickbait coach, and I let myself down yesterday. I didn’t think it was right for me to use the term ‘inappropriate’ for the players.”
Despite her regrettable choice of words, Hayes affirmed her unwavering support for her players, regardless of their status or personal relationships. She emphasized, “I don’t take those things back, but I have zero criticism for any player in my dressing room for anything – their professionalism regardless of their status, regardless of who they are in a relationship with”
