EMMA HAYES has joked that she has not been sending workers up timber earlier than Chelsea’s first-leg Champions League check with Benfica.
The Blues boss made the light-hearted quip in reference to the Spygate drama involving Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa and Frank Lampard’s former aspect Derby County.
Emma Hayes goals to steer Chelsea to the Champions League finals this time periodCredit score: Getty Pictures – Getty
In 2019 the Elland Street gaffer was on the centre of a huge stir when a Leeds United worker was spotted watching a Rams training session.
Bielsa went on to assert all duty after admitting it was a standard observe in his homeland Argentina.
Nonetheless, Hayes, 44, whose gamers face a Benfica side making their tournament debut, is taking a standard strategy to analysis on her opponents.
Hayes mentioned: “I’m not Marcelo Bielsa, I haven’t despatched anybody up within the timber.
“For us we simply have a wealth of various assets and I’ve acquired scouts and coaches who’ve been capable of analyse.
“We have now been watching Benfica and now we have seen numerous them however you don’t actually know an opponent till it begins and also you get a really feel for what the sport is like.”
Chelsea, unbeaten in the WSL so far this year, will likely be up in opposition to some stiff competitors
Apart from WSL rivals Manchester City, different opponents embrace Wolfsburg and seven-times Champions League winners Lyon.
The French giants, who received the trophy final time period, maintain the document for probably the most wins within the event.
So far, a British membership has triumphed as soon as within the contest’s 19-year historical past with Arsenal claiming the trophy again in 2006-07.
And the furthest Chelsea have reached is the semi-finals in 2018-19.
Hayes believes the dearth of success for Britain’s home sides could also be all the way down to funding.
The Blues boss added: “The extent of funding for these groups in Europe has been important.
“When you think about Lyon, the assist and funding you can’t examine that to anybody else. Golf equipment like Barcelona, Wolfsburg and PSG.
Pernille More durable desires Champions League glory with Chelsea after successful with Wolfsburg Credit score: Getty Pictures – Getty
“They’re all on a monetary degree above the English golf equipment by way of spend.
“Nonetheless now we have constructed a crew over time and one which has gone to the latter phases in two semi-final appearances.
“I hope that the additions we made this yr and the collective knowledge we’ve developed that we are able to progress one stage.”
