'One last push' - Chelsea star Jess Carter says Emma Hayes's impending exit providing extra motivation for Blues ahead of Arsenal WSL clash

The Blues manager confirmed early in the 2023-24 campaign that she will leave the club at the end of the season, having agreed to take over as head coach of the United States women's team. The Blues are aiming to win their seventh - and fourth consecutive - Women's Super League title as well as a first ever Women's Champions League crown, and Carter says her team-mates are fired up to win it all this term.

Carter told The Guardian: "Some people were really devastated to hear that she’s going and it might have hit their confidence a little bit to know she’s not going to be there. But at the same time [it will] also motivate people to try and get an extra win. One last win, one last push."

Chelsea are top of the WSL after 15 matches, edging ahead of Manchester City on goal difference. Hayes' side are also in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and will face Ajax in the first leg of the tie on March 19.

Chelsea have a headline showdown on Friday as they come up against fellow WSL title challengers Arsenal. The Gunners are three points behind the Blues and City in the league.