'Not at expense of being an a***hole' - Emma Hayes makes Chelsea legacy admission ahead of summer switch to USWNT

Hayes will bring down the curtain on her 12-year stint as Chelsea manager this summer when she leaves the club to take charge of the USWNT. In an exclusive interview with The Standard, Hayes gave a frank response when asked what she hopes her legacy in West London and English football will be.

Hayes said: "Oh gosh — I would have to say for winning first. I always see it as, what do you want to be written on your gravestone? I’ve always wanted ‘a determined winner and good human’. Being a winner matters, but not at the expense of being an a***hole."

She also admitted that she hopes Chelsea can build on the incredible progress they've made during her tenure. Hayes said: "We were ranked 150th in European football and are now top three. Hopefully, Chelsea now has the foundation to carry on that legacy, and I feel I have left the blue shirt in a better place."

Hayes will certainly be remembered as a winner. The coach has led Chelsea to five Women's Super League titles, five FA Cups and three League Cups. The only trophy that has eluded Hayes is the UEFA Women's Champions League, but Chelsea will secure a place in the quarter-finals if they beat Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

After the visit of Real Madrid, Hayes will turn her attention to Chelsea's trip to Brighton in the WSL on Sunday. With Chelsea alive in four competitions, Hayes is looking to end her time at Chelsea by winning a historic quadruple.