'She dedicates her life to it' - Chelsea star Erin Cuthbert hails soon-to-be USWNT boss Emma Hayes as midfielder reveals she has become a 'mini-Emma'

Hayes is set to leave Chelsea to become USWNT coach at the end of the season but remains in a pitched battle for the WSL title, as they sit level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table and three ahead of their next opponents, Arsenal. Chelsea can still win the quadruple this season, and Cuthbert has taken the time to credit Hayes' dedication, insisting that she is an inspiration.

Cuthbert told the Evening Standard: “Emma works tirelessly for what she wants to achieve. “She dedicates her life to it, but she makes sure that when she celebrates, she does it big, and I'm no different. So I think that's one thing that I've certainly learned from her: never [apologise] for wearing your heart on your sleeve, because it can reward you in weird and wonderful ways. A quadruple - wow, that's mad! We really want to do it for Emma. She'll love nothing more than leaving a legacy and a culture that's built on winning, and it's up to us to do it. The main message is: less talk, more action.”

She added: “Emma has done a lot for me. I feel like I behave more like Emma, like a mini-Emma. She is quite direct in her actions, likes to get things done, won't mess around, and I think I have become more like that. I see that when I go away to the national team [Scotland], that I start having behaviours like Emma. But you are a by-product of who you surround yourself with. Her and her staff have driven the whole culture in Chelsea to be one club, and for that I am eternally grateful.”

Hayes has enjoyed an almost unprecedented level of success since joining Chelsea, winning six WSL titles, as well as five Women's FA Cups and two FA Women's League Cups. So impressive has her career been, she was awarded an MBE in 2022 for her services to association football.

Before Hayes embarks on the challenge of international football, she will hope to sign off in style. Chelsea face Arsenal in a massive game on Friday evening and a win would go a long way to boosting their WSL title hopes.