Chelsea star Jess Carter insists the Blues' aren't feeling the 'pressure' of boss Emma Hayes' imminent departure for the USWNT

The Lionesses defender doesn't think that Hayes' switch to the United States women's national team at the end of the current season is weighing on the squad, as she claimed that the players are focused on winning the Women's Super League title once again this year.

Hayes is all set to part ways with the English giants after 11 years during which she led the Blues to six league titles, five FA Cups and two League Cup triumphs.

Speaking to LiveScore, the England international said: "I don't see it as pressure. Getting to the top is hard but staying there is even harder. When you are successful, every team sets out to beat you — perhaps even more than they do the other teams.

"But for me, whether Emma was staying or leaving, we'd want to win the league anyway. Every match we play is so hard. Every team we play against has stepped up another level and our main focus is trying to get three points from each game."

Chelsea had started their title defence on a bright note until Sunday, when they suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal. Before the clash against the Gunners, Hayes' side had registered seven wins from their first eight Women's Super League games.

The 47-year-old remains focused on her job despite her next move already being confirmed. Her team will be next seen in action on Thursday when they take on Hacken in a Women's Champions League group stage clash, before facing Bristol City in the league on Sunday.