Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes has spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson about her impending exit, but admits she had to put Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino on hold.
She has revealed Ferguson called to give her advice after she was confirmed as the new United States boss.
Hayes will finish the 2023/24 Women’s Super League campaign with Chelsea before she joins the USA women’s squad two months before the Olympics in Paris. She has won six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups since getting the Chelsea job in 2012.
Chelsea currently lead the WSL with seven matches played and they remain unbeaten after Saturday’s 5-1 win over Liverpool.
Speaking to reporters, Hayes said (via The Mirror): “We had a chat last week, he rang me, but I was in the middle of talking to Poch, so I was torn. Unfortunately, I had to tell Poch to wait. There are not many people you tell Poch to wait for, but I did say to him it was Sir Alex.
“He calls me from time to time, so I wasn’t surprised. Anything he says to me I always take with such pride. He is a legend of the game, and someone whose opinion I value, and he has a love of America.
“We talked a little bit about that, a little bit about legacy, a little bit about leaving at the top. So there were wise words from him. I’m sure it won’t be the last phone call I get from him this season.”
Hayes – like us all – has a lot of respect for Ferguson and, of course, she wanted to hear what he had to say about her impending move to the US. I’m sure he was at hand to give her lots of helpful advice.
Get the latest Manchester United news, opinion, interviews and exclusive features with the Stretty Newsletter – Ad Free! Kick off your afternoon with the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
