Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was full of praise for forward Sam Kerr after she scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley this afternoon.
Kerr netted the game’s only goal in the 68th minute at the national stadium. Her strike was her 10th in six domestic cup finals for The Blues, a truly phenomenal goalscoring record.
When speaking in the post-match press conference, Chelsea boss Hayes was full of praise for her star striker.
“I’ve never coached a player like her,” Hayes said. “She’s a player that has such conviction, such confidence, such courage in the way that she attacks everything. What I love about Sam is she is willing to take responsibility for the team at the top end of the pitch.
“It’s important to mention Pernille Harder because without her, she wouldn’t have got her goal. Pernille came in and did exactly what we asked, she gave us what we missed.
“Congratulations to the team and the squad. From the view of a football fan, I’ve seen how much our club have suffered this year; we’ve had ownership changes and the men’s team haven’t been brilliant. Chelsea fans this is for you.”
Going on to hail Kerr’s qualities further, Hayes said that the player can deal with all of the pressures of being a world-class talent.
The Blues boss said “She needs service and she didn’t get any in the first part of the game; you need that and then you’ve got to execute it and she did with the outside of her boot.
“She’s just so alive to situations, she can cope with the pressure and the expectations, everything that comes with being a top level footballer. She’s the sweetest human being, such a lovely person.”
Chelsea’s substitutes made a real impact in the second half with Pernille Harder being the biggest game-changer. Hayes will take some credit for making the changes but equally, she was pleased with how her side dug the result out.
“I will pat myself on the back but the most important thing is more silverware,” Hayes said.
“Manchester United made it hard, so congratulations to them, they’re going to continue to push our wonderful football team. First half, they were at their best but this is a victory for the grind. Hard work absolutely matters and I think we can roll up our sleeves with the best of them on any given day.”
Chelsea must now turn their attentions back to Barclays Women’s Super League action. The Blues currently need at least seven points to retain the title for another year.