'I don't get paid what Jurgen Klopp gets paid' - Emma Hayes admits she wanted sabbatical before taking USWNT job but wages got in the way

Hayes stepped down as Chelsea boss earlier this year, only to take up the United States Women's National Team role shortly after. Now, the former Blues manager says she would have taken a break from management if she had been as well remunerated as her male counterparts - with Klopp currently on a sabbatical after leaving Liverpool.

She told talkSPORT: "I don't get paid what Jurgen Klopp gets paid for me to take a sabbatical year! I have to pay the bills. But at the same time, I've got to do the job that I've dreamed about doing my whole life and yes, a break would have been optimal. But sometimes a change is as good as a rest. I've definitely felt that after the summer, just by experiencing some different things, travelling to different places, and connecting with different people. I’ve felt rejuvenated just doing that."

Despite wanting a break, Hayes has re-established the USWNT as a force in women's football again after leading them to Olympic gold in Paris. The U.S. suffered their earliest ever World Cup exit last year - resulting in coach Vlatko Andonovski resigning - but now, under Hayes' guidance, they are a big threat in the women's game again.

Hayes' side are next in action in late October when they face Iceland twice and Argentina in the space of just under a week. While the former Chelsea manager isn't having a break from the game, international football is less demanding than the day-to-day grind of being a club manager.