Hayes' Exit From Chelsea Marks Turning Point For WSL Competitors

Add as a preferred source on Google

Emma Hayes' departure from Chelsea could present an opportunity for their Women's Super League (WSL) rivals in the 2024-25 season, according to Manchester United coach Marc Skinner. Hayes left Chelsea to manage the United States national team in May and led them to a record fifth Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024.

During her 12-year tenure, Chelsea won seven WSL titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cups. They also achieved the most wins (145), goals (525), and points (462) in the WSL under her leadership. Sonia Bompastor, who guided Lyon to the Champions League title in 2021-22, has taken over as Chelsea's manager for the upcoming season starting on Friday, September 20, against Aston Villa.

Despite Bompastor's impressive resume, many believe Chelsea might face initial challenges and see their dominance in the WSL threatened this season. Speaking at the Barclays WSL's 2024-25 season launch media day, United boss Skinner expressed hope that Chelsea might experience a decline. "It'll be a welcome change because she seemed to win a lot of games," Skinner said.

Skinner acknowledged that while Chelsea will be different under Bompastor, they still have a proven winner at the helm. "So it'll be a tough one, but the reality is as a coach, you only play them twice a season, so you've got to prepare for those games differently," he added.

Manchester United will see changes in their goalkeeping lineup next season after England's Mary Earps left to join Paris Saint-Germain following a contract dispute. American Phallon Tullis-Joyce is expected to step up after serving as Earps' deputy last season.

Skinner believes Tullis-Joyce could surpass her predecessor. "I'll stress that Mary is a fantastic goalkeeper and a really big character," he said. "The reality was when we signed Phallon, we knew that Fallon could be Manchester United's number one."

"Not only does she possess the skillset to be that player, but she hasn't even reached her full potential yet," Skinner continued. "So as much as we'll miss Mary, we wish her all the very best, but we move forward."

"Football moves too quickly," Skinner noted. "And for us, I have absolute confidence that you will see a fantastic goalkeeper in Phallon, who has all the potential to be a top goalkeeper, hopefully at the same level as Mary and beyond because she has an incredible skillset."

Emma Hayes' success with the American team at the Olympics has already made an impact. "Emma's gone on to already achieve good things with the American team in the Olympics," Skinner said. "We know she's left her mark on this league."

"But now it's time for other teams to do the same," he concluded. "So hopefully we can be that team."