‘They know how to stay in a game’ – West Ham battle until the end says Chelsea boss Hayes

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes says that FA Women’s Continental League Cup quarter-final opponents West Ham United have shown an ability to remain in games this season.

The Blues travel to The Chigwell Construction Stadium to face the East Londoners tomorrow night as they begin their defence of the trophy.

When speaking to the media ahead of the match, Hayes said that the most impressive factor about West Ham United is how they always seem to be in games right until the final whistle.

“I’m really impressed with their resilience,” Hayes said. “I always feel like when I watch West Ham play, they know how to stay in the game. I think that Olli (Harder) has done a great job with them.

“They are difficult to play against and I always felt that they were going to get a goal in that game (against Tottenham Hotspur) and that’s credit to him and his players for their ability to stay in a game even though they had less of the ball and didn’t create the majority of the chances. I saw their belief and I actually think that they improved the longer that the game went on.

“We know that it is going to be a tough, tough game.”

West Ham United have drawn more games in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League than any other side this season. With penalties a possibility tomorrow night, Hayes said that her side are prepared for every eventuality.

She said “It’s a cup game so there’s a lot at stake for both teams. For us, we are as prepared as we can be for the game knowing that we have had mammoth training preparation and a small group. When you have a small group, you can build something, there are very few turnovers or changes. Sometimes when you have large numbers, you have to try and offer opportunities to everyone to keep everyone on the same page.

“It has been nice having a smaller group in this period just to work on some different pictures. We need to play the game, we might be a bit rusty but we are looking forward to it, I just want to see us play.”

Chelsea’s FA Women’s Continental League Cup quarter-final tie at West Ham United kicks-off at 7.30pm on Wednesday evening.