Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has expressed regret for her remarks about player relationships, admitting she feels she let herself down.
During a news conference on Thursday, Hayes described player-coach and player-to-player relationships as “inappropriate” and challenging for coaches.
However, following Chelsea’s Women’s Super League victory over Arsenal on Friday, she acknowledged her mistake, stating, “I let myself down yesterday.” Hayes further emphasized that she didn’t believe it was appropriate to use the term “inappropriate” for the players.
Meanwhile, Leicester City boss Willie Kirk is under investigation by the club amid allegations of a player-coach relationship. The club has received a complaint regarding an alleged current relationship between Kirk and a player.
After Emma Hayes’ remarks, Chelsea defender Jess Carter expressed her disagreement by liking a post on social media, calling it “beyond bonkers” to bring player-to-player relationships into the discussion.
Carter, an England international, is in a relationship with her Chelsea teammate Ann-Katrin Berger, while another Chelsea striker, Sam Kerr, is engaged to Kristie Mewis, a midfielder for West Ham United. Hayes addressed the situation on Friday, stating, “Jess and I have had a conversation, as I have with other players within the team.”
She reiterated her support for all players, regardless of their relationship status, emphasizing their professionalism and contributions to the club.
Hayes emphasized her commitment to equality and equity, advising her players to resolve disagreements privately rather than airing them publicly.
