Emma Hayes leaving Chelsea was one of the biggest shocks for the club’s fans. Success was a norm for the club under the current USWNT manager, taking most things in their way in England. But despite such a serial trophy run, the European Championship has eluded them since the beginning. And now the move could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the London team as they hired Sonia Bompastor, a former pupil of Hayes and France International.

But will the former manager react if Chelsea wins their maiden Champions League this time? Former Aston Villa coach and Hayes’ staff at the Olympics Carla Ward reveals the USA coach’s mindset if it happens. Speaking on talkSPORT Ward was questioned if Hayes wouldn’t miss seeing Chelsea win the prestigious trophy under the Franch manager.

She replied saying, “I don’t know. But Emma’s a Chelsea fan, right? So I know all of her family went as well on Friday night to the opening game. So she’s a Chelsea fan, she’ll want them to do well 100%. Emma would have loved to win the Champions League, of course, but would she also be delighted for them to win? I’d say so,” revealing that Hayes’ heart will be with Chelsea despite moving on to the USA.

It was a tough decision for Emma Hayes to move from the club, considering her success and area of convenience. But, her eagerness to take up the job in the USA and a need for a new challenge after 12 years led her out. Nevertheless, Hayes, despite moving away, already wished Bompastor and her former team the best with a message reading, “Good luck Sonia we are all rooting for you 💙.”

On the other side, Hayes won 7 WSL titles with Chelsea in 12 years and also 5 FA cups. However, her European record fell short despite leading them to the 2021 Champions League final but succumbing to Lyon, itself. Hence, the Frenchwoman, eager to continue her legacy with a new team, is confident she will win the Champions League.

Chelsea’s new manager aims to become more successful than Emma Hayes

While replicating the USWNT coach’s accolades in the WSL is difficult, Bompastor already made her intentions clear of not accepting defeat. She earlier said, “For me, the goal is really clear. I wanted to come to a club who has ambitions to win the Champions League in a new country, with a new club,” making her expectations clear to her team members.

Bompastor took Lyon to another Champions League title in her first season and will hope to replicate the same, a thing that Hayes would have loved.

Meanwhile, the USWNT manager is finally away from the club soccer system, which does not allow her enough time for herself and her family. Now as she gets sufficient breaks to spend with the family and friends, Hayes will return to the scene when USWNT takes on Iceland and Argentina at the end of October.