Chelsea defender Jess Carter believes the fact that head coach Emma Hayes is leaving the Blues at the end of the season could offer extra motivation for the squad in the title race.

Hayes has been in charge of the London club for 11 and a half years and it will be a massive change when she does depart this summer. Asked what impact Hayes’ decision has had on the players, Carter replied:

“Some people were really devastated to hear that she’s going and it might have hit their confidence a little bit to know she’s not going to be there. But at the same time [it will] also motivate people to try and get an extra win. One last win, one last push.”

It was announced back in November that Hayes was set to leave Chelsea, with it subsequently being confirmed that she had agreed to take the post with the United States.

Hayes has had unprecedented success during her time with the WSL club

To date, the 47-year-old has won 15 major trophies in her decade-long stay at the Blues, including six league titles, 5 FA Cups and 2 Conti Cups.

In terms of individual accolades, Hayes has been named WSL Manager of the Season by the FA on no less than six occasions, as well as being given an MBE and OBE for services to football.

Chelsea are in contention for trophies on four fronts

Hayes has the chance to add to her trophy haul before she leaves the club. As well as competing for the Women’s Super League title once again, her team are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

The Blues face Arsenal in the final of the Conti Cup at the end of March, and they have progressed through to the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup.

Watch the WSL Show in Shots! TV as our pundits discuss the draw for the Women’s FA Cup semi-final.