Outgoing Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hopes the Blues can regularly play at Stamford Bridge, just as Arsenal Women make the Emirates their home in 2024/25.
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Hayes leaving Chelsea for U.S. jobHoping to end Blues spell on a highReveals what she wants legacy to beWHAT HAPPENED?
Ahead of Hayes' last match as Chelsea boss, before taking over as USWNT manager this summer, the 47-year-old was asked about what she wants her legacy to be. After all the trophies and records broken, she spoke about hopefully selling out the 40,000-seater Stamford Bridge – where the men's team play – in the future as the ultimate goal.
AdvertisementWHAT EMMA HAYES SAID
She told reporters: "When I see Arsenal announce they've got 11 home games, this should be happening here (Chelsea). I want to see us play at Stamford Bridge every week – but sold out. I want the girls to have a new facility, I want that to be continually upgraded. I want them to continue to have a voice and I know they will."
Hayes added: "I want them to put the legacy into the walls, but through the eyes of the players, not mine. I want them to be heard around what legacy is to them and what the cultures are that they want to remain. I want them to never, ever stop asking, 'What can we do better?'. As I always say, do it again but do it with class and keep giving to the Chelsea fanbase in the way they have."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This week, Arsenal announced their women's team will play 11 home games at the Emirates across the Women's Super League and Champions League next season. While women's football is on the rise, progress still needs to be made to achieve Hayes' dream and move on from 4,850-seater Kingsmeadow.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Chelsea will finish off Hayes' hugely successful era, which includes six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups, on Saturday away to Manchester United. A win for the Blues could secure them a fifth straight WSL triumph.