It must have been a tough call for Emma Hayes to part ways with Chelsea Women—and why wouldn’t it be? After all, they shared a bond that lasted over 12 years. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. The English coach held her head high as she stepped into the next chapter with the USWNT. Early success followed just months into her tenure, as she proudly secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Still, Hayes likely faced her own share of challenges. But here’s the bewildering part: even while navigating her new role and the pressures that come with it, guess what Hayes had been doing?
Well, how does rallying for her former team sounds to you? Yes, no cap but the 48-year-old has also been looking out for her ex-WSL side. It’s not like she sneakily instructs them with tactics. Rather, it’s mostly just checking up and keeping communication in the loop. “We have a good connection with Emma thanks to her,” Bompastor began while speaking on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast.
The French tactician empathized with Hayes over leaving her beloved hometown club. However, the 44-year-old praised her for embracing an even bigger challenge with the USWNT—one that paid off within just a few months, as evidenced by their triumph at the Summer Games.
“She’s still supporting her club because she left the club in such a great place for me to build on the legacy,” added Sonia, expressing her gratitude for being able to lead the Blues to their domestic trouble that includes an undefeated 22 game WSL title, Women’s FA Cup and Leagues Cup. Interestingly, for those unaware, both Hayes and Bompastor have known each other for a long time.
Credits: X/Chelsea
In fact, the two have worked together in the past, making it obvious why the USWNT head coach still looks out for her Chelsea successor. “We have been in touch. She has been really supportive,” added Sonia, insisting Emma even congratulated her on a successful debut season. “So yeah, I always receive a text from her to show the support and it’s really nice.”
Come to think of it, Hayes has been vocally rallying for the WSL giants. More recently, she celebrated the club’s FA Cup 3-0 victory over Manchester United. In fact, take the time when Chelsea announced the embarkment of the Bompastor era on their social media. Hayes sent a special message that said, “Good luck Sonia we are all rooting for you.”
Indeed, it is quite heartwarming to see Hayes being still on the lookout for her former team and even her successor. As for the pressure that Sonia faced of successfully filling in Hayes’ shoes, that seems to have been paid off right?
Sonia Bompastor has somewhat surpassed Emma Hayes’ legacy
Well, it’s not just trophies that Sonia Bompastor has managed to win during her first season at Chelsea. Earlier, the former Lyon boss etched history by becoming the first Chelsea manager to secure 13 wins across all competitions, surpassing Hayes’ record of 12 victories set during the 2021–2022 season. She also achieved the best start for a new Chelsea boss in 14 years, winning her first seven league matches.
Credits: X/Lyon
And guess what? Overshadowing Hayes was the last thing that Bompastor thought of while having surpassed the former Chelsea boss. “It’s always positive for us to have this good feedback but we are not so focused on that [breaking Emma’s record],” said Bompastor earlier. In fact, echoing this statement was Hayes, who expressed her admiration for her successor to have surpassed her feats.
The 2024 Women’s Coach Ballon d’Or winner rather dismissed any kind of jealousy she had from Sonia. “I’m happy with where I’m at and I know I couldn’t have given any more. It’s only right for the players to have a different direction,” emphasized Emma Hayes, who lifted 16 trophies with Chelsea. That explains why to this day, both click so perfectly with each other!
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