Emma Hayes has admitted she ‘don’t think’ Chelsea will win the Women’s Super League (WSL) title following their dramatic defeat to Liverpool.
Chelsea’s title hopes took a major blow with a 4-3 defeat on Wednesday night, leaving leaders Manchester City in control.
With just three matches remaining, reigning WSL champions Chelsea find themselves six points behind City, who have two matches remaining.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hayes said: “I’ve had some incredible memories at this football club and we’ve won a lot of things. I would love to bring titles back to Chelsea, but it won’t be this year, I’m afraid. I think my job now is to prepare the team for the last matches so that they continue, compete and enjoy.
“We will never give up but the title is far from us, it is not in our hands. I think City deserve it, their consistency has put them in this position, and of course we will go all the way but I don’t think the title will come to us this year.
Hayes’ side initially took the lead through Aggie Beever-Jones’ header in the ninth minute, but Liverpool turned the tide with goals from Sophie Roman Haug and Gemma Bonner.
Despite Beever-Jones’ late equalizer and a Teagan Micah own goal, Bonner’s stoppage-time header secured victory for Liverpool.
This season marks Hayes’ last as Chelsea manager after signing a deal in November to become head coach of the USWNT, making her the highest-paid coach in women’s soccer. She led Chelsea to six WSL titles.
Chelsea are next in action this Sunday against Bristol City.
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