‘They’re a good side’ – Chelsea boss Hayes expecting tough test from Liverpool

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is expecting a tough test for her side when they take on Liverpool at Prenton Park.

The Blues are six points adrift of Barclays Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City, although they have two games-in-hand. Chelsea can make up some ground when they take on Liverpool at Prenton Park on Wednesday evening.

When speaking in the pre-match press conference, Chelsea boss Hayes acknowledged the qualities of her side’s latest opponents.

“They’ve had a brilliant season and they’re aiming for the top four,” Hayes said. “Matt [Beard] is a seasoned veteran of this league, he knows what the league is about. Moving into Melwood has really helped them as a club too.

“They’re definitely a tough team. We know the way that they play; they’re physical, they make it difficult, they’re great in transition, they’re a good side.”

Chelsea suffered a crushing 2-1 aggregate defeat to FC Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals last time out. Hayes says that her side have had no time to dwell on their European exit and all focus is now on bolstering their title challenge.

She said “After any loss, one of the worst things that you can have is a long period of time moving onto the next game. We don’t have time to dwell on exiting, we dealt with that on a day off.

“We have to continue to focus on the small chance of winning a league. We have to put everything into doing that. Everyone’s efforts today have gone into competing against Liverpool tomorrow.”

Chelsea’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture at Liverpool kicks-off at 7pm on Wednesday evening.