'Love the hairy chest!' - Emma Hayes reacts to being transformed into Han Solo after future USWNT head coach's Star Wars obsession is revealed

Hayes, who remains in charge of WSL title hopefuls Chelsea for now, has admitted to taking inspiration from George Lucas’ famous film franchise during her final season as head coach in west London. She has said: “The Force Awakens, Star Wars episode six [seven, sic], that gave me a lot of inspiration. I'm certain that the resistance continue to inspire and we can keep at bay that evil empire. For now, all I'm thinking about is I need to get onto The Mandalorian.”

‘The Force’ is certainly strong in Hayes, as she has become one of the most decorated managers in women’s football. There have been suggestions that she could move into the men’s game at some stage, but her next port of call will be in the United States.

Hayes will be hoping to steer the USWNT to Olympic and World Cup glory during her tenure, allowing her to earn the kind of acclaim that Rebel Alliance leader Han Solo enjoyed when piloting the Millennium Falcon. She has already been transformed into Harrison Ford’s on-screen character by Sky Sports, and has posted on social media of that slightly disturbing graphic: “Absolutely brilliant. I love the hairy chest. Can’t wait to see the one with me as Chewbacca.”

Hayes will link up with the USWNT at the end of the 2023-24 campaign in England. She has Chelsea on course to defend their WSL crown this season, while Champions League glory – a trophy that the 47-year-old has never captured – remains up for grabs.