After watching her side record a 5-0 victory over Reading at The Madejski Stadium this afternoon, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes reiterated the importance of players in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League following government guidance surrounding COVID-19.
Discussing her side’s impressive performance against Reading, Chelsea boss Emma Hayes was in a reflective mood. She was left astonished by her side’s excellent showing in Berkshire after what had been a serious bout of COVID-19 that had left her squad decimated before Christmas.
England international forward Fran Kirby played a starring role in Chelsea’s 5-0 victory with four goals but Blues boss Hayes was prepared to share the praise across the team.
When speaking to the media after the match at The Madejski Stadium, Hayes said “We are extremely fortunate to be able to go to work with with a fantastic group of players, especially after a bad bout of COVID-19.
“We are only as good as the people around us, it was a total team performance.
“The front four did a great job, they were very dynamic.”
On the subject of COVID-19, Hayes was keen to recognise how lucky both Chelsea and the Barclays FA Women’s Super League are as a whole are to be provided with such special treatment by the UK Government but admitted that this comes with ‘a huge responsibility to adhere to government guidelines’. The Blues boss highlighted that a lack of responsibility by players could jeopardise such privileges. She commented on the situation by saying “This is a professional league, behave properly.
“Let’s not go through another week like we’ve just been through.”
When asked by FA Women’s Super League Full-Time whether the postponement of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup quarter-final fixture against Manchester City would benefit her side, allowing more time to prepare for Manchester United next weekend, Hayes said “Clubs do everything they can to get games on.
“If they’re decimated in their squad, then (postponing the game) is the right thing to do.
“We do not underestimate Manchester United. We will have to be at our best to beat them.”
Chelsea will go level with Manchester United at the top of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League table if they are able to beat The Red Devils next Sunday. The Blues also still have a game in hand on Casey Stoney’s side.
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