Emma Hayes says “the time is right” for her to leave Chelsea after it was confirmed on Saturday she would be departing the club at the end of the season following 12 years in charge.
The Athletic reported that she is set to take over the U.S. Women’s National Team, and while the 47-year-old said it was her “ambition” to manage at international level, she did not comment when asked about the vacant USWNT post.
Hayes did confirm she would be involved in conversations about hiring her successor at Chelsea and that her departure was “100 per cent” her decision.
“I’ve been in the post for 12 years and I’ve dedicated my life to this place,” she said. “I drive four hours to and from this place 6 days a week… for 12 years. I have a five-year-old that needs more of his mummy, for sure. That’s important. Family matters. I think I’ve dedicated as much as I possibly can to this football club. I’ve loved every minute of it.
“It’s really important that if possible, we can create a succession plan for me, much like (general manager) Paul Green and I do for the players. The time is right. I will work with the club in the succession plan and do everything I can to make sure there is as good as transition as possible so my successor can have the same level of…
