Emma Hayes ‘not stressed’ by bid to guide Chelsea to a fifth successive title in her final game in charge of the Blues
EMMA HAYES is relishing the WSL title race going to the wire following the “unbelievable adversity” her team has faced this term.
And the Blues chief, whose 12-year reign ends this weekend, sees Maika Hamano as a key player for Chelsea's future.
The Japan forward, 20, netted in the Blues 1-0 defeat of Tottenham on Wednesday night, slamming a first-half shot beyond Spurs goalkeeper Bara Votikova.
Her match-winning strike helped her side go top of the table above Manchester City.
Both teams are currently level on points but with Chelsea carrying a plus-two goal difference advantage.
Hayes, 47, said: "She’s been incredible in training, she’s Chelsea’s future and I’m always happy to keep evolving this team.
"I’ve said it a thousand times. I’m leaving the next manager a fabulous team.
"We’ve evolved it and Maika been fantastic in training and has been smashing goals in all week, she deserved the start (against Tottenham).
This Saturday Hayes will be on the touchline for the last time as Chelsea manager before commencing her role as head coach of the USA’s women’s national team.
The Blues’ final game under their gaffer will be a clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, six days after the Red Devils lifted the Women’s FA Cup at Wembley
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And like last term the battle to be crowned top-flight champions will be decided on the last day of the WSL season, with Gareth Taylor’s Man City also in contention.
Should Man City dispatch Aston Villa at Villa Park, Chelsea will need a win and a higher goal difference tally than their rivals in order to secure a fifth successive title.
When ask how much her team relishes taking title races to the wire, Hayes adds: "I said to them, proverbially speaking, it’s like going in with a gun in your mouth.
"How do you want to respond to that?
"What I love about the team is our ability, no matter that proverb, to keep their cool.
"We will find a way to keep performing no matter the pressure.
"These will be the things I remember the most, it won’t be the wins, the ability of human beings to keep finding a way.
"People write you off, you wonder if you have more to give, we’re still finding a way."
This season has seen Chelsea face challenges with injuries with star striker Sam Kerr, forward Mia Fischel and defender Aniek Nouwen sidelined by knee ligament ruptures.
And influential striker Mayra Ramirez has missed the Blues' last four games due to injury.
In a season where Chelsea lost a league cup final and Champions League and FA Cup semis duel, another title win make them WSL champs for a seventh time.
Her team had their title hopes reignited when Man City fell to a 2-1 home loss to Arsenal last Sunday.
A game that was followed by Chelsea trouncing Bristol City 8-0 before their narrow win against Tottenham last night.
The Blues boss said: "I am enjoying myself, I’m not stressed.
"I’ve been here before, I love seeing the fans and being with them.
“I love the saying when someone gives you a second chance in life, make sure you don’t need a third and I love that we take it to the last day.
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“No matter the outcome I’m super proud of how this team keeps finding ways.
"The adversity we’ve had this year has been unbelievable.”