Emma Hayes explains why the pressure is off holders Chelsea in the WSL title race as she throws down gauntlet to Man City

Chelsea are at risk of finishing a season without silverware for the first time since 2017 as Hayes prepares to depart for a fresh start as the United States women's national team head coach. The Blues are battling with Manchester City for the league crown but the 47-year-old is adamant that the pressure will be on Gareth Taylor's side to knock the holders off their throne.

She told Sky Sports: "I always think the pressure is on teams that haven't won as much, that's my personal opinion. I don't think the pressure is on a team that has won the last four titles. It doesn't mean we don't want to win another title, but it's pretty natural for teams that haven't won a lot to have that hunger to go and do things. When you're serial winners and you're having to do it again and again, it's even harder to do that than it is the first time."

A new era in the top flight of women's football in England is on the horizon and Chelsea's decline could already be underway should they fail to win the WSL or Women's Champions League this season. Hayes' pending departure is a significant moment and her absence will only give the challenging teams extra motivation to establish themselves as the new dominant force to be reckoned with.

Hayes has led Chelsea to the top in a record-breaking era since taking over in 2012. The Blues have won 15 trophies during her reign, including a run of three consecutive FA Cups. The only piece of silverware she is missing is the Champions League, but she could add the prestigious cup to her collection before her time in west London is up.

Chelsea are still in the running for two major honours and will prepare to face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions League following their WSL clash against Aston Villa on Wednesday. They will return to league action on May 1 when they travel to Liverpool.