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      Chelsea boss Hayes promises Blues bounceback from heavy Champions League final loss to Barcelona

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      EMMA HAYES paid a touching tribute to Chelsea fans and vowed her beaten Blues will bounce back from Champions League heartbreak.And the Kingsmeadow boss described her team’s loss to Barcelona as another step in their journey after revealing her players’ post-match chat with club owner Roman Abramovich. 
      Emma Hayes says Chelsea will work hard on the training pitch after losing their first Champions League final clashCredit: Getty
      Barcelona Women won their first Women’s Champions League trophy after losing 4-1 to Lyon in the 2019 finalCredit: AFP
      Chelsea succumbed to a 4-0 defeat to Spain’s title winners in their first final in Europe’s elite club contest.
      And Hayes believes the performance of her side – who face Everton in the Women’s FA Cup – did not reflect the physical edge  of the WSL.
      Hayes said: “I think the physicality in our league that we have, we didn’t show that. So we’re disappointed. 
      “The realities are, if you don’t dominate enough of the first and second balls in any football match,  you don’t deserve to win it, and I don’t think we did that.
      “I think that’s what our dressing is most upset about. 
      “We’re a classy team and we behave I think as you should do when you’ve been beaten by a better team and that’s one that acknowledges what we need to do to improve. 
      “Our owner came in to see us. All the girls were very quick to tell him we’ll be back here and we’ll work hard on the training pitch to make sure we do that. 
      “If I know this group well enough I know they mean these words. 
      “And this is just another step in our journey, because – we talk about the disappointment – but we’re the second best team in Europe.”
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      Chelsea will face Everton in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round in their final game of the seasonCredit: PA
      Hayes’ players told Blues owner Roman Abramovich they plan to reach another Champions League finalCredit: AP

      Barcelona made history by being crowned as Spain’s first Women’s Champions League winners two years on from a 4-1 finals drubbing they endured against Lyon. 
      And the club’s victory entailed some standout displays including impressive wing play by Caroline Graham Hansen and Lieke Martens. 
      We wanted to be European champions and now we can say that we areLluis Cortes
      The result was the highlight of an outstanding season for the Lluis Cortes’s Catalan side who retained their LaLiga Women’s Crown
      And the Blaugranes did so after winning all 26 games they have played in Spain’s top tier with a match against ninth-placed Athletic up next.
      Lieke Martens and her Barca team-mates have won the LaLiga Women’s title as well as the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

      Asisat Oshoala and her Barca team-mates will play Athletic in Spain’s top tier nextCredit: Getty
      Barca boss Cortes said: “It’s incredible, in Budapest last time (when we lost 4-1 to Lyon) we were like Chelsea were. 
      “There has been a lot of work since that day. That day we promised ourselves we would work a lot to be European champions. 
      “Behind us, there are many, many people and everyone has worked really hard for this goal. 
      “We wanted to be European champions and now we can say that we are.”
      Lluis Cortes says Barca have been working hard to achieve their first major trophy win in Europe.Credit: Getty
      Emma Hayes responds to Chelsea’s devastating 4-0 loss to Barcelona More

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      Chelsea 0 Barcelona 4: Blues’ Champions League dream crumbles as Catalans smash FOUR in blistering first-half display

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      CAROLINE GRAHAM HANSEN helped brilliant Barcelona tear Chelsea to shreds consigning the Blues to European heartbreak in a four-goal blitz.A Hansen tap-in was among the efforts that saw Emma Hayes’ aces trounced 4-0 with Spain’s football queens winning their first Champions League trophy.
      Barcelona romped past Chelsea with a stunning first-half displayCredit: Getty
      The Catalans celebrated their first-ever Women’s Champions League titleCredit: Getty
      And it was the biggest winning margin for a side in the history of the contest.
      The Gamla Ullevi Stadium, the home of Sweden women’s national side, played host to the duel between the top dogs of the game in England and Spain.
      And it was fitting that the venue, just a stone’s throw from where Pele propelled Brazil to a famous 1958 World Cup quarter-final win, served as the backdrop for the four-goal thriller.
      For the first time in seven years the final for the elite prize of women’s European club football did not feature the tournament’s record winners, Lyon.
      Instead, all eyes were on two juggernauts seeking to become the new dominant club football force in Europe.
      And it was Barca who came out on top brushing their opponents aside with a devastating attacking display.
      Coming into this game, Lluis Cortes’ players had won ALL 26 matches they have played in Spain’s top-flight, scoring a mammoth 128 goals.
      And within a minute the team that dispatched Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain took the fight to the WSL champs.
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      What a start from Barcelona! 😲A rocket of a shot from Lieke Martens 💥Rattles the bar!Then the clearance hits Leupolz and loops over and into the back of the net 😖#UWCLfinal Live on Youtube & BT Sport 2 HD 💻/📺 pic.twitter.com/qchG8a5mJ5— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2021

      It took just 33 seconds for the LaLiga giants to get on the scoresheet stunning their rivals in the process.
      The Catalan team hit the crossbar with a ferocious drive off the edge of the box which found its way into the back of the net after rebounding off Melanie Leupolz.
      The Blues – shocked by that opener – attempted to work their way back into the game and saw a ninth-minute Pernille Harder shot saved before Magdalena Eriksson went close with a header.
      And Hayes’ aces had little time to regroup before their rivals doubled their lead.
      It was danger woman Graham Hansen who swept past Jess Carter to cut back a pass for Jenni Hermoso.
      And Spain’s all-time leading top scorer was brought down by Carter with Alexia Putellas converting from the spot in the 14th minute.
      Barcelona scored four goals in 36 minutes on Sunday nightCredit: AP
      The Blues were left heartbroken by the four-goal blitzCredit: PA
      The WSL winners watched on as Barcelona lifted the trophyCredit: AFP
      A Spanish side won the title for the first time after years of French dominanceCredit: Getty
      And there was little respite for the Blues with Spain’s top-flight champions tearing their defence open moments later.
      This time it was Lieke Martens jinking down the left to tee up Hermoso, who set up Aitana Bonmati to score Barca’s third.
      And the Catalan giants completed a 4-0 first-half demolition.
      Martens made another dangerous run into the box before shrugging off Niamh Charles to set up a Hansen tap in moments after the half-hour mark.
      The second spell saw a re-energised Chelsea attempt to battle their way into the game with Barcelona content to sit back and hit their rivals on the counter.
      Fran Kirby saw her 51st-minute shot blocked before a Niamh Charles’ cross narrowly missed the head of the leaping Sam Kerr.
      And Pernille Harder saw her 68th-minute effort – off the back of a Guro Reiten pass – find its way into the palms of keeper Sandra Panos.
      The Spaniards had a couple of late half-chances before wrapping up a memorable win.
      Emma Hayes’ side enjoyed a fantastic run to the finalCredit: Getty
      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich attended the showdown in SwedenCredit: AP
      What. A. Start! 🔥 Excellent through ball from Hermoso to find Bonmati 👏 who finds the back of the net! Barcelona are on fire in the first half 👊#UWCLfinal Live on Youtube & BT Sport 2 HD 💻/📺 pic.twitter.com/iw7cxRQbud— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2021

      The result capped off an unlucky week of cup final losses for Chelsea with the Blues’ Premier League side falling 1-0 to Leicester in the FA Cup.
      But having reached their first final in fine fashion Emma Hayes will be proud of her sides’ achievements.
      And the WSL juggernauts are still on target for the treble with an end of season fifth-round Women’s FA Cup clash with Everton to come this month.
      Penalty! 😯Hermoso is clipped in the box as she goes to shoot 👀Alexia steps up and puts it in the bottom corner for Barcelona ⚽#UWCLfinal Live on Youtube & BT Sport 2 HD 💻/📺 pic.twitter.com/fXb8vOPFMh— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 16, 2021

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      Leicester celebrate with the trophy after they win the FA Cup More

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      Chelsea ace Harder says playing in Champions League final alongside partner Eriksson is a ‘dream’

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      PERNILLE HARDER says vying for Champions League glory alongside her partner Magda Eriksson is a dream come true. The inspirational Chelsea couple hope to win their first European trophy by helping the Blues topple Barcelona in Sweden. 
      Pernille Harder would love to see Magda Eriksson lift the Champions League trophy if Chelsea beat BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      Blues skipper Eriksson hopes to lead Chelsea to their first European trophy winCredit: PA
      The Denmark superstar and Blues captain Eriksson –  who are popular role models in the LGBTQ community – became a couple whilst playing for  Swedish outfit Linkoping in 2014.
      And Harder will be aiming to triumph in a Blues vest having twice suffered defeat in the 2018 and 2020 finals with former club Wolfsburg. 
      Harder, 28, said: “We talked about it the other day.
      “If we would have thought six years ago when we were at Linkoping that we would eventually play a Champions League final together, this would have been the biggest dream for us.  
      “And now we get to do it and it’s amazing. The biggest thing would be to see Magda lift the trophy. That would be a very proud moment for her and me also.
       “On and off the pitch, no matter what we are competing in, we both have a winning mentality.
      “It’s not the end if we win the Champions League this season, because we want to win the title and the Champions League again. 
      “For me it’s about the memories and feelings that football brings. 
      “The good thing is that we are super honest with each other on the pitch and we always leave football stuff on the pitch when the game is done.” 
      Eriksson, Harder and their Chelsea team-mates won the 2020-21 WSL titleCredit: Prime Media

      All eyes will be on the WSL champs fearsome attacking trio of Fran Kirby, Sam Kerr and Harder who have netted 13 times in the contest so far.
      Against Bayern Munich, in the semi-finals, Harder demonstrated why Chelsea broke the women’s football transfer record to sign her from Wolfsburg for £250,000 in September 2020. 
      The midfielder’s bullet header helped Chelsea demolish Bayern 4-1 in a dramatic second leg battle.
      And the Uefa Women’s Player of the Year says the pressure of being the world’s most expensive women’s signing is something she takes in her stride. 
      Harder added: “Everyone thinks you can do everything on the pitch when you have that price. 
      “It puts some pressure, or some expectations at least. 
      “But handling expectations is something I’ve been working with in the last five or six years.
      “I knew how to handle it and to focus on my game and adapt to the team.” 
      Harder’s semi-final bullet header against Bayern Munich helped Chelsea reach their first Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes’ aces will face a Barcelona side who stormed their way to a sixth domestic league title following a 26-game unbeaten run and a tally of 126 goals. 
      The teams will go head-to-head in the Gamla Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, the home of Sweden’s women’s team whose players include Blues skipper Eriksson.
      And Harder is confident Chelsea – who won their fourth WSL title – can defeat the queens of the women’s game in Spain. 
      It will be a tough game for sure, but we are also a great team so I think it will be a good finalPernille Harder
      The Dane ace was part of the Wolfsburg side that knocked Barca out in 2020.
      The Blues star said: “I played against them last year and I think they did really good. They have a lot of great players and are a good possession team. 
      “It will be a tough game for sure, but we are also a great team so I think it will be a good final.”
      Harder reckons the quality and depth of Chelsea’s squad has been one of the biggest advantages for the team who have won a league cup and WSL title this term
      And the Denmark midfielder – who is her country’s joint all-time top scorer with 65 international goals – said she had been monitoring Chelsea’s progress for a long period before joining the side.
      Harder added: “I’ve been following the team for a long time. Obviously, with Magda playing here, I saw the development of the team. 
      “I felt like it was so interesting to see what happens, and I just felt like I wanted to be a part of it, and also be in the English league. 
      Chelsea may have to contend with ex-Arsenal aces Asisat Oshoala and Vicky Losada when they play BarcelonaCredit: EPA
      “That was what mostly was my motivation to come to Chelsea, but obviously I’d also heard a lot about Emma. 
      “Even though sometimes in games we might not have played the best football, we always find a way to win. 
      “That’s because we have so many players who can be the game-changer. 
      “If someone has a bad day, there is someone else who is stepping up. That’s really something, I think, that has made us come so far this season.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Emma Hayes and her players hope to win the quadrupleCredit: PA
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Casey Stoney shocked the WSL by quitting Man Utd but she is a top boss and has a HUGE future ahead

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      CASEY STONEY’S decision to quit Manchester United at the end of the season came as a shock to me.She has done an incredible job during her three seasons with the club, leading them to promotion into the WSL from the Championship and then consecutive fourth-place finishes.
      Stoney announced her shock departure earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Scott and Stoney were team-mates at international level but often rivals at club levelCredit: Getty
      But she deemed it a “personal failure” when the Red Devils missed out by a point on a spot in Europe for the first time in the club’s history this term.
      Stoney, 39, has done a remarkable job considering Man Utd only reformed their women’s side in 2018 after a 13-year hiatus.
      She had just ten days to create a whole squad and recruit her backroom staff when she took over.
      The former England and Arsenal icon resigned from the top job following frustration over a lack of resources and the budget for the women’s side.
      Time and time again we saw her fighting for more in the battle for women’s football to be treated fairly.
      Stoney was also left gutted when her side’s first ever game at Old Trafford was not broadcast on television or even the club’s own MUTV channel.
      She said: “We’ve missed a massive opportunity. We’re so short-sighted in the women’s game.”
      I said this before but I feel like in the women’s game you’re always expected to feel grateful for everything.
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      Stoney and Scott lined up alongside one another for EnglandCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Stoney is expected to embark on a new managerial challenge in the USCredit: Reuters
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      I’ve felt it at times, that you should just be grateful because everyone’s going out of their way to go above and beyond for you.
      Everyone is hailing the women’s top flight for how far it has come, which it has.
      But there are still leaps and bounds to be made and often Stoney was a lone voice in the fight for change.
      She called out the cancellation of the Women’s FA Cup while the men played on amid the coronavirus crisis.
      And she also spoke out about the closure of girls’ academies while the boys continued to train.
      I’m proud that she stood up for the darker side of women’s football that still needs to be worked on.
      Stoney has now been linked with USA women’s team San Diego.
      She bids farewell to the United dugout as her side take on Leicester City in the FA Cup fifth round tomorrow in her final game in charge.
      And I know my old team-mate has got a HUGE future ahead.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      WSL champs Chelsea sign PSV Eindhoven star Aniek Nouwen More

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      Hayes says motherhood changed her as a coach as Chelsea prepare for battle with Barcelona

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      EMMA HAYES reckons Chelsea will be the underdogs in their first-ever Champions League final in a season she sees as her toughest.And becoming a mum has changed Hayes’ outlook on coaching with her son Harry celebrating his third birthday a day after the Blues’ duel with Barcelona. 
      Emma Hayes is looking forward to celebrating her son’s third birthday after Chelsea’s clash with BarcelonaCredit: Sportimage
      Chelsea hope to win their first major trophy in Europe after clinching their fourth WSL titleCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 44, was speaking ahead of her WSL champs historic clash with one of the most feared women’s football clubs in Europe.
      Their Barca opponents netted 128 goals whilst winning 26 games on their way to a sixth domestic title win. 
      But Hayes welcomes the pressure of taking on Spain’s top flight giants when the teams go head-to-head at the Gama Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
      Hayes said: “For once we are the underdogs – in the bookies’ eyes I might add.
      “But I also think we are approaching our best form. I think you can see that even in our performance against Reading. 
      “I think the fact they are overwhelming favourites by the bookies suggests that form over a period of time has earned that right for them.
      “They have been building towards their own Champions League success.
      “But I really believe there’s another level in us.
      “I’m so looking forward to the game and watching us find that level again and seeing how we can compete for the honour of being champions of Europe.”
      Hayes’ Chelsea side are targeting a quadruple trophy this year having already won the Conti Cup and WSL titleCredit: Reuters

      Victory for the Blues would see them secure the treble and their first major trophy win in Europe at the end of a season at times overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic. 
      It would also see them become only the second English club to win the coveted prize following Arsenal Ladies memorable triumph in 2007 against Swedish side Umea.  
      Hayes said: “You have got players who haven’t been able to see their friends and family. 
      “All of a sudden they’re having to spend an entire year with the same people and nobody else.
       “I think it’s probably been the toughest in my tenure for those reasons and Covid for sure is unprecedented and something I’ve never had to deal with. 
      “When you’re in my position you have to make the decision of whether you are willing to manage such challenges in order to fulfil your greatest ambitions, knowing it’s going to cause daily pain. 
      “It has been challenging and it’s a thankless job coaching because you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t. 
      “While I care about every one of my players, I also have to stick to the task and that’s winning games of football and trophies.”
      Vicky Losada and her Barcelona team-mates have won the 26 games they have played in Spain’s top-flight this termCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s seismic clash with Barcelona – whose squad includes former Arsenal players Asisat Oshoala and Vicky Losada – will take place the night before the birthday of Hayes’s young son Harry. 
      And the Blues boss, who has led Chelsea to nine trophy wins – including four WSL titles – says motherhood has made her sporting successes even more meaningful.  
      Celebrating my son’s birthday is as important to me as walking my team out in the finalEmma Hayes
      Hayes said: “I know people say my son Harry changed me as a coach. Karen Carney always says it and I wouldn’t disagree with that. 
      “I think becoming a parent changes everyone. I feel that with every game that is played or a title we contend for, I take it in more than I’ve ever done. 
      “I don’t think about the game next week as I’m very much in the present. I don’t look at calendars.
      “I wouldn’t be in this job if it wasn’t for my family. My family are the ones who allow me to go to work every day because they help with child care. 
      Every parent knows how hard it is to juggle work and juggle your kids. 
      “My mum walked into the house on Monday and said ‘I’m just letting you know, this is the plan for Harry on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.’
      “I’m sitting there thinking what am I going to do?
      “I don’t want to ask’ and she took it right off my hands. 
      Hayes being a mother has boosted her feelings towards Chelsea’s successesCredit: Getty
      “My family’s support is what has allowed me to do my job.
      “This and remaining present is something I’ve learnt from ageing and understanding that this won’t be forever.  And I will enjoy every minute of it.
      “Flying home (from our match against Barcelona) on what will be the morning of my son’s third birthday will be a fitting day. 
      “Celebrating his birthday is as important to me as walking my team out in the final.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Victory against Barcelona would see Chelsea become the second women’s team from England to win the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Carla Ward takes aim at club owners after sensationally quitting as Birmingham City boss after months of turmoil at club

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      CARLA WARD took a swipe at Birmingham City’s owners after she sensationally QUIT as manager.The departing Brum boss revealed she would have loved to have stayed at the helm but conditions at the club made it impossible to do so.
      Carla Ward has become the third manager to leave a WSL side this week with Joe Montemurro and Casey Stoney departing from Arsenal and Man UnitedCredit: PA
      Ward has been in charge of the Midlands side since August 2020 following a two-year spell managing Women’s Championship side Sheffield United.
      And the former Blades coach – who enjoyed a 14-year midfield playing career – had intended to see out her contract with Blues.
      But after internal conflicts with the board, her position with the Damson Park side became untenable.
      Ward, 37, said: “Everybody that knows me knows I don’t go down without a fight.
      “I want to push and knock on every single possible door first, and try to find a way.
      “So of course I would have liked to of stayed, I would have liked to have seen out my contract and be here for a little bit longer.
      “But ultimately, it’s just the position that becomes. I don’t think we can continue to work in the capacity we’ve worked.
      “So ultimately, that’s what really confirmed my decision.”
      Women’s football has been growing over the years at the game’s highest levels with more top clubs establishing women’s teams.
      While Ward thinks this is a good thing, she questioned whether clubs have the knowledge of what the resource and commitment required to accommodate a women’s team.
      And after her experience with Birmingham, the former Blades boss wants more clubs to consider these factors before setting up a team.
      Ward added: “I think that everybody want’s a women’s team, but I think it’s really working out where women’s football fits in their organisation.
      “And do all football clubs understand the size of women’s football? The importance of women’s football?
      “I think they’re questions that every single club should be looking at each year when they’re looking at how their women’s club is set up.”
      Birmingham Women players went head-to-head with the club’s board members over working conditions and payCredit: Rex

      This season Ward and her squad have been wrangling with Blues board members about poor working conditions, contracts and pay.
      And after pleas for them to invest in the women’s side seemingly fell deaf ears, Ward says she began to consider her position.
      The situation within the club prompted Ward to seek a fresh start although she admitting to having some “unbelievable times” with Blues.
      Ward said: “It’s something that I’ve been thinking about for the last couple of months.
      “It’s been an unbelievable year and an emotional year.
      “It’s been tough at times, but it’s an opportunity that I’ve loved every minute of, but ultimately I believe I’ve given everything I’ve got.
      “And I believe now it’s time for a fresh chapter.
      “One thing I will say is I will be forever grateful to Blues for allowing me to step into this division and work with an exceptional bunch of players who have given everything.”
      Ward had an emotional meeting with her players to inform them of her departureCredit: Rex
      Despite Ward’s frustration with the club, officials thanked her for her services and for helping them to avoid relegation.
      Birmingham Women general manager Sarah Westwood said: “I would like to put on record my thanks to Carla for her efforts and dedication to the position throughout the season.
      “It has been a challenging year given the absence of Blue-noses from any of our fixtures, with Carla galvanising the players and staff to achieve what nobody outside of the Football Club deemed possible.
      “We respect her decision and wish her all the best for the future.”
      One thing Ward says will miss is her tight-knit bond with her players.
      After the obstacles they faced together this year, the departing Birmingham boss said sharing her exit with them was “devastating.”
      Carla Ward steered Birmingham to safety with the club finishing one place above the drop zoneCredit: Rex
      Ward added: “I come in this morning to tell them, I had it rehearsed in my head what I was going to say.
      “I don’t cry in front of anyone, but after the first two words, I had a complete meltdown.
      “But I think it probably sums up how I feel about the group.
      “You know, it’s devastating to share that with them because you know we’ve stuck together this year, it’s been tough.
      “Really, really tough and I’ll be lying if I said it wasn’t emotional from everybody in that room.
      “But ultimately I think the time is right to be stepping away.”
      Birmingham have another chance to make Ward proud when they face Southampton in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round in what will be her manager’s final game in charge.
      The Isle of Wight-born coach believes her side will have to be at their best against their National League side to avoid an upset.
      Ward revealed she has no plans to immediately return to management and intends to spend quality time with her daughter.
      But when she does return to the dugout, she hopes it will be back in the Women’s Super League.
      Birmingham will play Southampton in the fifth round of the Women’s FA CupCredit: Rex
      Ward said: “We’ve absolutely got to be at it against Southampton because you can’t take them lightly.”
      “It’s just about getting to the end of the season, getting Sunday out of the way.
      “The immediate future will be to have a little bit of time with my little girl and relax and reflect.
      “I don’t particularly want to get out of the WSL. I love it, I’m not going to lie.
      “It’s a league that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.”
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Ward’s WSL colleague Stoney resigned from her role Manchester United managerCredit: Getty
      Ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri could be in line for Arsenal and Tottenham jobs if Mikel Arteta is sacked after flop season More

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      Sam Kerr dismisses doubters and hopes ‘electric’ Chelsea can beat Barcelona in the Champions League

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      SAM KERR holds no grudges towards doubters who criticised her early Chelsea performances – and says they can post her a bottle of wine.  And the Blues goal machine reckons her team’s “electric” attacking form could give them the edge against Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final. 
      Sam Kerr has proved her doubters wrong with her clinical form for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Kerr and her team-mates hope to win their first Women’s Champions League trophy this termCredit: Rex
      Kerr, 27, was speaking to reporters ahead of the WSL champs’ clash in Sweden with the queens of women’s football in Spain.
      The game on Sunday comes a week after the striker stormed her way to the top of the WSL’s goalscoring table, bagging 21 goals in 22 top-flight games.
      And Kerr’s outstanding form marks a turnaround for the forward who came in for flack for chances squandered during Chelsea’s Community Shield triumph against Manchester City last August. 
      When asked what she would say to doubters Kerr said: “People get paid to write headlines and all that stuff and they’ve obviously got it wrong this time. 
      “I don’t have anything to say. They can just send me a bottle of wine in the mail as an apology.
      “The season has been long and there have been so many ups and downs.
      “But winning titles just makes it all worth it. So it’s not all roses and butterflies for sure, but at the end of the day I do it because I love it. 
      “There are hard days but I do enjoy it for the most part.”
      Chelsea will wear their new 60s-inspired kit in their clash with BarcelonaCredit: Instagram / @chelseafc

      Chelsea, who will don their new 60s-inspired kit against Barca, are targeting a quadruple and their first-ever major club trophy win in Europe. 
      Kerr’s formidable partnership with team-mates Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder has played a big part in helping the Blues reach the Champions League final.
      The trio netted 16 times for boss Emma Hayes in the run-up to their battle with Barcelona.
      The WSL top dogs dispatched Wolfsburg and Bayern Munich, two of the most feared teams in Europe. 
      Kerr added: “Fran’s clearly shown she is one of the best players in the world. 
      “She does it week in and week out for our team. Our connection is just special.
      “Everyone asks me if we train like it but it just comes naturally. 
      “She’s just a superstar. I can’t speak more highly of her.”
      Kerr and Kirby hope to be on target against Barcelona with the duo scoring nine goals in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Chelsea will face a Barcelona side in red hot form having netted 128 goals in 26 games on their way to their sixth La Liga Women’s title. 
      And Barca are yet to triumph in the Champions League having reached the finals once in 2019, where they were thrashed 4-1 by Lyon. 
      Kerr reckons the Blues’ clinical finishing and ruthlessness on the counter could work in their favour.  
      The clash on Sunday will see Kirby and Jennifer Hermoso – the contest’s joint top scorers – go head-to-head for the contest’s Golden Boot, with both on six goals.
      The Matildas captain added: “Looking at our team we’re electric going forward.
      “I think on the counter-attack we’re six to the creek so I think that’s going to work in our favour against Barcelona.
      “They’re a quality team so we’ll definitely have to have a look at them in-depth and we’ll focus on ourselves.
      “But we also have to respect their strengths and weaknesses.”
      Chelsea will face a Barcelona side who have scored 128 goals in Spain’s top-flight this termCredit: Getty
      Helping Chelsea reach their first final of a contest for Europe’s elite women’s football sides is another big milestone for Kerr, following her 2019 switch from Chicago Redstars.  
      The six-time Golden Boot winner still holds the all-time scoring record in America’s National Women’s Soccer League, with 77 goals, and Australia’s W-League (70).
      And Kerr feels her move to Chelsea has given her the opportunity to develop her game at a club she describes as the best she has ever played for.  
      We’ve got players like new Niamh Charles and Melanie Leupolz who have taken the team to a new levelSam Kerr
      Kerr added: “The USA suited who I am as a player and coming here I’ve had to adapt and I think that’s mostly how I’ve grown as a player. 
      “It was to challenge myself doing things that I’m not as confident doing. 
      “As a team we’ve had so many amazing recruits in the last year and gone from strength to strength.
      Kerr reckons players such as Niamh Charles have helped Chelsea step up a gear this seasonCredit: Getty
      “We’ve got players like Niamh Charles and Melanie Leupolz who have taken the team to a new level. 
      “This team is incredibly talented and it’s hard to make the starting line-up. 
      “We’re pushing each other and I feel like this is probably the best Chelsea team I’ve ever seen. It’s definitely the best team I’ve ever been a part of.”
      Kerr, Ji So-yun and their Blues team-mates hope to win the quadruple this yearCredit: Prime Media
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      Chelsea send fans into frenzy after mistakenly announce Lauren James’ signing by adding her to their new kit list

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      CHELSEA have seemingly announced Lauren James’ signing after adding her to the kit list for the upcoming season on their website.The Manchester United star’s name comes up in the list of players that can be added to a shirt when fans go to buy one with the number 24.
      Chelsea have added James to their kit list for the new seasonCredit: PA

      The club have not yet made a comment on the blunder.
      Several supporters took to Twitter to express their joy at the Blues’ incoming signing.
      One user revelled in the news and said even though the club don’t need James, it would be satisfying to steal her from United.
      They wrote: “Lauren James to Chelsea. I know we don’t really need her at the moment cos we have enough attackers already but anything to drink United tears, bring it on!!!”
      The 19-year-old striker would be joining her brother Reece at the club and another fan begged God to make it come to fruition.
      She said: “Wait omg, God please make it true.
      “Lauren James is coming to Chelsea? one of the best forward out there.
      “So we are going to have brother and sister in Chelsea.”
      This isn’t the first time James has been linked with a move to the Blues.
      Earlier this month reports circled about Emma Haye’s side plotting a swoop for the starlet, along with French side Lyon.
      Her departure will be a huge blow for United who are still reeling from the loss of boss Casey Stoney who resigned yesterday.
      The move would see her join brother Reece at the clubCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      Just last month Stoney publicly lashed out at tech boss Mark Zuckerberg for failing to clamp down on the virtual bullies.
      In a post on Zuckerberg’s Instagram platform she wrote a post questioning his values and character for allowing the vile abuse to continue.
      Similar racial abuse in the sport led to all clubs across the country to take part in a social media blackout, in a bid to force social media bosses to do more in the future.
      Manchester United steward accused of opening gates to let fans storm Old Trafford pitch during protest More