Chelsea star Sam Kerr aimed a hilarious dig at outgoing manager Emma Hayes ahead of her USWNT switch.
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Hayes set to leave Chelsea for USWNTKerr in fun banter with the coachAlso hailed Hayes as a "great coach"WHAT HAPPENED?
The long-standing Chelsea manager will shift base across the Atlantic as she is all set to start a new chapter in her career with the USWNT team next summer ahead of the 2024 Olympics. The tactician boasts of having an incredible bond with the Blues squad and her imminent departure has been a tough pill to swallow for most of the players. Kerr hailed Hayes' impact at Chelsea during her 12-year tenure but could not stop herself from taking a dig at her manager in a press conference which left the coach in splits.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT KERR SAID ABOUT HAYES
While speaking about Hayes' influence at Chelsea, Kerr said: "It’s obviously sad. Emma’s a great coach, a great leader and she’s been here for so long. But that’s football. Chelsea are very lucky that they’ve had her for as long as they have, but most of us in football are used to these things (managers leaving). We all wish her all the best (with the US).”
Hayes immediately asked: “Do you mean that?”
Kerr responded with a straight-faced "no" which led to a roll of laughter in the room.
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Hayes has been reportedly offered a "record-breaking" contract by the USWNT which will make her the best-paid coach in the women's game. However, it remains to be seen how Chelsea fare in her absence as the manager has led them to unprecedented glory in the club's history with six league titles, five FA Cups and two League Cup triumphs.
WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Before taking on Paris FC in the Champions League on Thursday, Hayes insisted that her "full focus" is on her job as Chelsea coach. During her illustrious tenure at South London, this is one of the silverware that has eluded her and the manager remains adamant about adding the European title to her impressive CV before leaving the Blues.
