EMMA HAYES jokes she may have to wear a posh frock over her pyjamas when she joins this year’s Fifa awards via her computer screen.
The Chelsea boss, who described her nomination as being like an Oscar win, also praised the mentality of star signing Pernille Harder.
Emma Hayes is on Fifa’s Best Women’s Coach award shortlistCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Hayes, whose unbeaten Blues play Benfica in a Champions League second leg clash, is on the shortlist for a Best Fifa Women’s Coach gong.
The charismatic manager, 44, whose award rivals include in-coming England boss Sarina Wiegman, says she “is over the moon” to be in “great company”.
And the Chelsea gaffer jokingly admitted she plans to keep her son busy with a Toy Story movie to deter him from attempting to join her on screen.
Hayes said: “I have got a lot of musician friends who lived in America when I lived there.
“And I say to them, ‘this is like being nominated for a Grammy, or an Oscar’.
“Apparently I have to wear formal attire. But because I’m going to be at home on a computer, I think I’m going to put something over my pyjamas!
“I hope my son is quiet (on the ceremony night).
“If he is not, then I’ll have to feed him some chocolate and put on Toy Story in the background so I can just get 15 minutes.
“To be among great company, knowing where I came from and knowing how hard I have worked, I’m really proud of myself. I feel like I have just won an Oscar.”
Hayes reckons Pernille Harder’s ‘fantastic mentality’ has been a boost for ChelseaCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
This year’s annual awards hosted by football’s top body is set to be a virtual affair due to pandemic restrictions.
Other big names from Chelsea up for gongs include Sam Kerr, Ji So-Yun and Denmark ace Harder.
The Danish playmaker was prolific for her old club Wolfsburg scoring 27 times to help them claim their sixth Bundesliga title last term.
The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable
Emma Hayes on Pernille Harder
And Harder, on target during the Blue’s 5-0 demolition of Benfica, is likely to feature in the Champions League return leg against the Portuguese giants.
Hayes said: “Pernille has got a fantastic mentality and one that has put her where she is today.
“I think it’s important to note that we, as a football club, can’t take any of the credit for this.
Chelsea – unbeaten in the WSL last term – are targeting a quadruple trophy win this season Credit: Getty Images – Getty
“What I know about the best – and I have coached a lot of top players in my career – is that they have unbelievable attention to detail.
“And the best always do it on training pitch, day-in, day-out, and Pernille is exceptional in training.
“The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk