This year, the Women’s Super League (WSL) is no exception. The spotlight is on Chelsea, the five-time champions, as they face off against Reading in a match that could secure their fourth consecutive title.
Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s manager, is no stranger to pressure. Her team, currently on a six-match winning streak, has scored an impressive 24 goals and conceded only one. Despite the high stakes, Hayes remains composed. “The bottom line, it’s what we’re prepared for. We’ve only ever won the campaign by a couple of points at best, it’s business as usual for us,” Hayes explained.
The match is not just a title-decider for Chelsea. For Reading, it’s a battle for survival. Kelly Chambers’ team, currently at the bottom of the WSL, needs a victory to have any chance of staying in the league. The tension is palpable, but Hayes is focused on her team’s performance. “We have to take care of all the right things,” she said.
The Chelsea squad boasts of exceptional talent, including Sam Kerr, who recently won the Football Writers Association Player of the Season for the second time. Despite the accolades, Kerr acknowledges the increasing difficulty of maintaining their winning streak each season. This sentiment is echoed by Hayes, who recognizes the closing gap between teams as more clubs invest in top professional players.
While the WSL title is the immediate focus, the upcoming World Cup is also on the horizon. Chelsea’s Fran Kirby and Millie Bright, both key players for the Lionesses, are currently injured. However, Hayes is confident that they will be ready for the tournament, likening Kirby’s return to having a “brand new signing.”
As the final day of the WSL approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will Chelsea secure their fourth consecutive title, or will Reading pull off an upset? Only time will tell.
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