Hayes focused on ‘business as usual’ for Chelsea despite Abramovich’s shock club sale announcement
EMMA HAYES insists it is ‘business as usual’ for Chelsea as they prep for a Conti Cup final in the midst of Roman Abramovich selling the club.
The Blues owner put the football juggernauts up for sale this week with the government facing pressure to impose sanctions on him.
The Russian billionaire, 55, is an advocate of Chelsea’s WSL side who have evolved into one of the women’s game’s dominant forces following Hayes’ 2012 arrival.
However, Abramovich is set to cut ties with the club- whose women’s team have won 12 major trophies – following questions over alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen Putin come under fire from leaders across globe.
And the country has been suspended from competing in a number of sports events including this year’s World Cup.
Hayes, 45, who last Saturday was named as one of six custodians of the Blues said: “Look, it’s business as usual and I stand by this.
“Chelsea have amazing people, across the club, leading in all sections, from Neil Bath to Thomas Tuchel, to the work we’re doing here (with the women’s team).
“We will be successful going forward, nothing has changed. We’ve got a cup final, and everyone is looking forward to that.
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“I can’t control what’s being said in the media, what I know is that the team is focused and ready for another cup final.”
Last May, Abramovich was among the spectators watching Chelsea compete in their first Women’s Champions League final when the team lost to Barcelona.
And two months prior to that game the Blues owner described the WSL title-holders as ‘a critical part of Chelsea’ in a Forbes interview.
Having successful women’s teams is a fabulous attribute. I expect everything to remain the same going forward
Emma Hayes
When asked what the sale of Chelsea could mean for the future of the women’s team, Hayes added: “What I know is this section is fully embedded into the club.
“Whatever happens in the future for Chelsea, the only people that are going to come into this club are those who want success.
“Having successful women’s teams, men’s teams, academy teams is a fabulous attribute and I expect everything to remain the same going forward.”
Chelsea, who were triumphant in last year’s delayed FA Cup final, are hoping to win the Continental trophy for a third successive season.
Their duel with Manchester City in front of a sell-out Plough Lane crowd comes in a week in which WSL players having been showing solidarity with victims of the invasion of Ukraine.
Hayes said: “It’s amazing everybody coming together to support people in a horrendous situation in Ukraine.
“These are difficult, difficult times for everyone and of course, it’s difficult for all of us to go about our daily life without thinking about it.
“But the reality is this is beyond my control and I’m focused on making sure I get my team ready because there’s so much I don’t have influence over.”
Chelsea, who are targeting a treble this term, have been boosted by skipper Madga Eriksson’s return from injury.
Their clash with Man City comes two days after Sam Kerr’s best player prize at the London Football Awards.
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The Australia striker, netted two of the Blues goals in their 3-0 FA Cup final defeat of Arsenal in December.
And Hayes is hoping for more of the same from the forward on Saturday evening.
The Kingsmeadow chief added: “Sam Kerr is the ultimate team player and will give anything so the team is successful.
“The things that she values are what I really admire about her and she’s got another level in her yet.”