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      Emma Hayes wants Chelsea to be ruthless against Liverpool as Blues resume push for WSL title win

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      EMMA HAYES says Chelsea cannot dwell on their Champions League last four loss with their bid to retain this season’s top tier title at stake.And the Blues chief wants her side to be ruthless away at Liverpool in their first WSL game following their goalless shift on Saturday.Chelsea are looking to overhaul title rivals Manchester City and have two games in hand on the league leadersCredit: Getty
      The fixture comes four days after the Blues’ loss to Barcelona in the second leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finalsCredit: Getty
      Matt Beard hopes to guide his side to a top-four finish in the Women’s Super League for the first time since their return to the top-flight two years agoCredit: GettyTonight, the title-holders return to domestic top tier action after their loss to Barcelona in the Champions League second leg semis.The Spanish giants’ 2-0 away win at Stamford Bridge ended Hayes’ aces’ hopes of reaching the contest’s final for the second year in a row. With their trophy double chase done and dusted, hopes of silverware rest on their push for the title.Hayes, who will leave the club at the end of this season, said: “After any loss, one of the worst things you can have is a big period of time between the loss and the next game.Read More Football Stories“We don’t have time to dwell on exiting. We’ve dealt with that on our day off and we have to continue.“We’ve got a small chance of winning the league, so we have to put everything into doing that. “Everybody’s efforts are into competing against Liverpool.”We’re not in the driving seat (for the title). We don’t have the goal difference, so as far as I’m concerned, we have to catch up.”Most read in SportThis evening the London giants resume their battle to win the WSL title for a seventh time under Hayes.Against Liverpool in the WSL Chelsea have been dominant winning 11 of their last 13 league clashes.But they face a tough test against fifth-placed Matt Beard’s Reds who are fighting for a top four finish and have lost once in their last four games.Hayes adds: “They’ve had a brilliant season, vying for the top four.“Matt is a seasoned veteran in this league and knows what the needs are. I think moving into Melwood has really helped them as a club and they’re definitely a tough, tough team.”Anything other than a win from the first of Chelsea’s last four games this term, could risk them going trophyless under Hayes for the first time since 2016.
      A Chelsea win would see Emma Hayes’ side cut Man City’s lead to three points at the WSL’s summitCredit: Getty
      However, the Blues boss, who takes charge of the USA women’s team at the end of this term, expects to see a clinical performance from her players.She said: “We have to be ruthless in the final third, and the team knows what they need to do. “We worked on executing that and holding each other to account on those things, that’s what I will look forward to in this performance.” More

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      ‘Every person in the changing room means more to me than my right knee’, says injured Crystal Palace ace Elise Hughes

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      ELISE HUGHES insists making football history with Crystal Palace means more to her than her season being ended by a serious knee injury. The hotshot forward hopes the Eagles’ promotion to the Women’s Super League has put a smile on faces of club staff and fans.Elise Hughes was sidelined for Palace’s final game of the season after sustaining a knee ligament injury during the Eagles’ 2-0 win against Lewes on April 21Credit: GettyHughes and Annabel Blanchard have shone for the Eagles in attack this season.Credit: PAPalace will compete in the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history next seasonCredit: GettyCrystal Palace Prem star Marc Guehi was in the stands watching the Eagles’ women’s side in action against SunderlandCredit: PAThe South London side claimed their spot in the top tier ahead of next season following a 0-0 draw with Sunderland on Sunday.Hughes, who finished this as the Women’s Championship’s top scorer, has been among the shining lights for the promotion winners.The Wales ace netted 16 goals in 21 appearances this term before suffering a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury during Palace’s 2-0 defeat of Lewes last Sunday.Hughes, 23, said: “If you wrote my story at the start of the year and said to me this is how your season is going to end, as upsetting it was for me personally,  I would have taken it.Read More Football Stories “That’s because every person in the changing room means more to me than my right knee at the minute.”The amount of people that are happy because of this trophy means more to me than what I’m about to go through (with my knee rehab). “And the reason I’m about to go through it with such a brave face is because of the amount of people I’ve got behind me right now.”I couldn’t have done (what I’ve done) this year without them.”Most read in FootballPalace men’s centre-back Marc Guehi was among the spectators watching from the terraces as Laura Kaminski’s side made the leap to the top-flight.The team won 14 and drew four of their 22 Championship duels following a season that saw them battle for supremacy with Sunderland, Charlton, Southampton and Birmingham.And Hughes, who began her senior playing career with Everton in 2017, hopes Palace’s promotion will lead to more girls taking up football across south London.The Eagles number nine adds: “Sometimes you have a ‘why’ of something so in-house of winning a league, and you realise how big your ‘why’ is away from the football pitch.“We know that we can inspire the next generation.””I see fans every day with a huge nine on their back or I see girls chanting the different players’ names and you think ‘wow, okay, we are making a difference’.  “If the girls get opportunities that we never got growing up, then we’re all winners.”Since making her Crystal Palace switch from Charlton two years ago, Hughes, who hails from Flintshire in Wales, admits to feeling very settled in south London.  And she puts this down to the bonds built with her Eagles team-mates and club staff.  Hughes said: “I’m from a small village in north Wales and I’ve come to South London and I’ve felt at home and it’s mainly down to the club. “It’s down to every staff member that walks into the building. No one goes past anyone without saying ‘hi’ and there’s always a smile and there’s always a reason to smile in that building. “I hope we’ve bought an even bigger reason to smile.”It was only in 2018 ago that Palace Women were a semi-professional outfit partly subsidised by former Palace men’s star striker Wilfried Zaha. At the time The Guardian reported players were being asked to each provide £250 towards their sponsorship. This trophy is for south London. The top-flight of women’s football is where this team deserves to be. Laura Kaminski, Crystal Palace Women’s head coachFor Palace Women’s gaffer Laura Kaminski the Eagles’ promotion is the start of what she  called a fantastic new journey for the team who are full-time It comes nine months after the former Charlton Women’s assistant, who has 15 years coaching experience, was appointed as Eagle’s head coach. Kaminski said: “This trophy is for South London. The top-flight of women’s football is where this team deserves to be. “For those who have watched us across this season, they have always been full of confidence about our playing style. “I think we play exciting football that people want to watch“This club is at the start of a fantastic journey. “This is the step we needed to take. We want to give ourselves the best opportunity in the WSL.”I feel like we’ve worked hard to get all the infrastructure in around the team. “I’ve been a coach for many, many years across the women’s game at several clubs and I decided I wanted to have my own identity and philosophy and really take a project. Laura Kaminski says Crystal Palace is the perfect fit for her as a coachCredit: PA”For me what is special about Crystal Palace was the place that Palace was in, really fitted me as a person. READ MORE SUN STORIES”For both myself and Grace Williams (our head of women’s football) when we met and discussed how this might look, it was a match made in heaven. “Now we’ve seen the results of that.” More

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      Emma Hayes calls out ‘worst’ ref decision ‘in Women’s Champions League history’ after Barcelona defeat Blues

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      EMMA HAYES blasted what she called the “worst decision in Women’s Champions League history” after Chelsea fell to a loss to Barcelona.Kadeisha Buchanan was given her marching orders in the second half of an intense battle with the Blues dispatched 2-1 on aggregate at Stamford Bridge.Emma Hayes and her players had their hopes of reaching the Champions League final ended by BarcelonaCredit: GettyLucy Bronze consoles her England team-mate and Chelsea captain Millie Bright following the final whistleCredit: GettyHayes criticised referee Iuliana Demetrescu following her second-half dismissal of Kadeisha BuchananCredit: GettyFridolina Rolfo’s spot-kick conversion clinched the win for Barca who were awarded a pen late onCredit: GettyThe second-leg defeat – watched by a record 39, 398-stromg crowd at the stadium led to the hosts being knocked out of the contest semis for the second year in a row by Spain’s top -flight leaders.It ended their dreams of lifting a Champions League trophy for the first and last time under Hayes, with the Blues chief taking over as United States’ women’s boss this year.It also saw hopes of a silverware double crushed with the WSL title remaining their only chance of a trophy following semis and final losses in the FA and Conti Cups.Buchanan was booked twice in four minutes by ref Iuliana Demetrescu.Read More Football StoriesFirst for a trip on Salma Paralluelo and then following challenge on Patri Guijarro with both players battling for possession.While the centre-back got the ball during the second incident, she was given her marching orders after Guijarro dropped to the turf clutching her foot.And she looked crestfallen as she headed straight down the tunnel after her 59th-minute second booking with her team-mates appeals dismissed by the ref.The sending off occurred after Barca had taken a first-half 1-0 following Aitana Bonmati’s strike deflecting into goal off Buchanan.Most read in FootballHayes said: “They had a strong first half, the deflected goal puts them in a good position.“But in the second half I felt we were just comiyng on top, and you could see the combination of the crowd and the players were driving us, the felt really confident.“So, when you get such a shocking refereeing decision, there’s nothing you can do about it.“It’s hard enough when you’ve got 11 but when you’ve got 10 it’s virtually impossible.”Of the foul that led to Buchanan’s dismissal, Hayes added: “Even the Barcelona players said the referee was helpful to them. I didn’t think it was a foul, let alone a yellow card.“When you lose a game, for us we didn’t feel we got the opportunity to lose it, that was taken away.“I was surprised when I saw her selected, she’s known for (giving) easy cards. That was probably the worst decision in UEFA Women’s Champions League history.Buchanan’s departure was followed by spot-kick drama with the visitors awarded a 74th-minute penalty.This occurred after Bonmati fell in the box after with a collision with Blues defenders Ashley Lawrence and Jess Carter.A VAR check upheld Demetrescu’s decision to award a pen netted by Fridolina Rolfo who sent keeper Hannah Hampton the wrong way before her bottom corner finish.Hayes, who had influential striker Mayra Ramirez absent, said: “I’m gutted for them [the players], we were robbed.“I genuinely believe we were on top of the game, we’d just hit the post, we could feel the momentum going in that direction, but we didn’t get the chance to experience that.All the talking is about that. Yes, we lost Mayra Ramirez after training, that didn’t help, but you need everything to go your way, two yellow cards, a deflection and a penalty, everything went their way.”At the game’s start the scene was set for what some Chelsea fans would have hoped would be a fairytale Stamford Bridge farewell to Hayes in her last appearance as Blues boss at the groundA record crowd of 39,398 flocked to watch the match – the largest ever for a women’s fixture at the ground let alone a Women’s Champions League battle.The opening 20 minutes saw the rivals vying for control of the ball  before Barcelona gained the upper hand in attack with Aitana Bonmati among their iggest threats.The Women’s Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 25th minute with her angled shot following a Keira Walsh’s pass deflected into goal.But rather than let their heads drop Chelsea, who were without influential striker Mayra Ramirez, responded brightly.And they had some gilt-edged chances to level.The crowd roared when Melanie Leupolz struck the post from six yards out in the 31st minute.However, that effort would not have counted with Lauren James offside.And Catarina Macario forced a corner with her rifled effort forcing a parried save from Catalina Coll.Another huge chance went begging close to half-time with Nusken almost punishing a sloppy Barca back pass. She fed the ball to James who was somehow unable to slot home from close range.The second half saw Chelsea come out swinging in search of a leveller.But disaster struck when Buchanan was sent off.Hayes made a late roll of the dice sending on striker Aggie Beever-Jones for Leupolz. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with her deflected first-half strikeCredit: GettyAnd a triple 84th-minute substitution saw Fran Kirby and Eve Perisset entering fray alongside skipper Millie Bright who played up top as a back-up striker.Chelsea appealed for a pen when Beever-Jones was brought down in the box late on. But a VAR check saw nothing award.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe visitors held out to claim the victory. A duel with Lyon or Paris-Saint Germain awaits them in the final in Bilbao, Spain in May. More

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      Emma Hayes warns Chelsea ‘must be perfect’ in Stamford Bridge battle with Barcelona for a Champions League final spot 

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      EMMA HAYES is in no mood to be nostalgic when she steps out on the pitch at Stamford Bridge for the last time as Chelsea boss today.Her focus and that of her players’ will be on one of the Blues’ biggest battles this term – a showdown with Barcelona for a Champions League final spot. Emma Hayes says Chelsea cannot afford to switch off for a second against Barcelona laterCredit: PAA win or draw for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge would see them reach the Women’s Champions League final for a second timeCredit: PAChelsea will face a stern test from Barcelona after beating them 1-0 in their Champions League semis first-leg duelCredit: PAFor the first time the team look set to perform in front of record crowd for a women’s game at Stamford Bridge.Last night the club confirmed all tickets had been sold for the game at the 40,343-capacity with around 5,000 shifted in a matter of hours.But for Hayes, who leaves Chelsea at the end of this season to take charge of the US national women’s team, it will be business as usual for the double trophy chasers.She said: “This is a game we want to be in. Read More Football Stories”Our team has huge experience at this level, it’s just another game for us. “Our players play for our badge, they play for their family, for each other, I’m part of that. I’m in a team, it’s not me, it’s us.“These players play at this football club to play in every game for Chelsea, not just the big ones.  “We attack the game exactly the same game we do every week and it’s just another game for us.Most read in FootballIn the past three years Barcelona have been a thorn in the side of Chelsea’s bid to lift a Champions League trophy for the first time in Hayes’ 14-year reign. A 2021 tournament decider between the rivals ended with Barca winning the contest for the first time in their history after an emphatic 4-0 victory.And they ended the Blues’ run last May at the semi-final stage with a slim 2-1 aggregate victory on their way to lifting the trophy for a second time.This year has seen the six-time WSL giants halt the winning run in Europe of a side unbeaten in Spain’s top tier this term after 24 games.Their 1-0 first-leg semis away victory has set the stage for this evening’s highly anticipated battle. One in which their opponents are likely to come out swinging.Hayes added: “There are a lot of permutations, but I can’t fixate on that. “We can prepare for some of the tactical details, but we have to prepare for our game too.“We’re not trying to be Barcelona, nobody is Barcelona, but that doesn’t mean you can’t win.“It just means that you have to play to your best strengths and recognise that no matter what Barcelona do, they will pull any team apart.“They are the best team in the world, I’ve said it a million times. They know how to be in this position.“No matter what they throw at us, whether that’s bringing a false nine, overloading the left-hand side, accessing the pivot or drawing us out of position “Barcelona can hurt you in so many different ways.“For us as a team, we have to be so, so mindful that you can’t switch off for one single second.”This is a game that is played in the head first and foremost and we know we have to be perfect to be able to progress.”A Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge would be a new milestone for the WSL giants and would see them reach a Champions League decider for a second time in their history.Today’s showdown brought back memories for Hayes of far less glamourous challenges she and general manager Paul Green faced to get matches played in her early Chelsea days.Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge clash with Barcelona is a stark contrast to the early days of Hayes reign when they played their games at the 3,000-capacity Wheatsheaf Park in StainesCredit: GettyPlaying in front of a crowd of more than 40,000 at Stamford Bridge is light years away from clearing water off a rain-soaked pitch at Chelsea’s former Wheatsheaf Park home in Staines.A task Hayes remembers carrying out ahead of a game against Liverpool 10 years ago.She said: “I’m grateful I don’t have to go out with a roller anymore like (we did) when we were in Staines!”We’ve made progress, I don’t have to roll pitches anymore, we’ve got amazing grounds people.Hayes hopes Chelsea can continue to attract large crowds to the games they play at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty”We’ve come a long way since then. Stamford Bridge. Barcelona.”A Champions League semi-final. This is what it was all for. This is the stage the players deserve. This is where Chelsea should be.”READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve got plenty of time to reflect on my time at Chelsea, but that’s not now. My focus now is on preparing the team.”Chelsea vs Barcelona can be watched live on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube at 5:30pm today. More

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      Barcelona 0 Chelsea 1: Spanish giants beaten at home for first time in FIVE YEARS in epic Women’s Champions League clash

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says Emma Hayes sometimes brings out the animal in her on the pitch.Today the Chelsea captain and the Blues roared their way to a 1-0 Champions League semis first-leg win beating Barcelona in their backyard – the Spanish giants’ first competitive home defeat for FIVE years.Erin Cuthbert fired her Chelsea side to victory in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League semi-finalCredit: ReutersCuthbert curled a sweet strike into the top cornerCredit: ReutersA narrow but vital first-leg victory puts them a little bit closer to the chance of reaching the final for the second time in their history.And it is one that could potentially see them avenge their 2-1 semis loss on aggregate to the Catalan side last year and the 4-0 final trouncing they endured in 2021.Having lifted the Champions League trophy twice in the last three years, the Spanish league leaders were the favourites coming into this game played at the famous Lluis Companys Stadium.However, Hayes’ aces had other ideas. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was a nervy start with Caroline Graham Hansen firing a shot straight at Hannah Hampton in the eighth minute.But the visitors grew into the game.Chelsea had just one first-half shot on target against their hosts who dominated possession early on.They made it count in the 40th minute, though.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCuthbert shimmied on the edge of the area then fired in a stunning top-corner finish after Sjoeke Nusken outsmarted markers to deliver.There were a few moments of penalty drama in the second half.Watch fuming Pochettino shout at journalist as press conference descends into chaos after Chelsea’s win over EvertonFirst through Barcelona seeing a penalty kick ruled out following the ball striking Kadeisha Buchanan’s arm because Salma Paralluelo was offside.Then when Mayra Ramirez, who was a menace against Barca’s defence, got kicked by Irene Paredes in the box.The Colombian striker had a glorious chance to double Chelsea’s lead with 16 minutes of normal time left before blazing over after being closely tracked in the box.And Paraluello volleyed wide from six yards in the 86th minute before Alexia Putellas fired off target at close range in injury time with the Blues clinching a monumental win.Barcelona were unbeaten at home for five yearsCredit: AFPChelsea had to settle for being dominated in possessionCredit: GettyBarcelona’s penalty was overturned due to an offsideCredit: EPAChelsea will take a slender advantage back to Stamford BridgeCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Each game matters so much’, says Kadeisha Buchanan ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League battle with Barcelona

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      LIFTING a Women’s Champions League trophy in Chelsea’s famous blue shirt would be Kadeisha Buchanan’s “all moment”.The Canada centre-back, 28, has had plenty of experience of winning the top club prize for Europe’s elite women’s football sides.Kadeisha Buchanan and Chelsea will take on Barcelona away in the first leg of their Champions League semi-finalCredit: GettyThe WSL leaders hope to reach the contest’s final for a second time under manager Emma HayesCredit: EPABuchanan hopes to go all the way in the Champions League with Chelsea just as she did with former club LyonCredit: GettyWith French giants Lyon, whom she left two years ago in June for the Blues, Buchanan has triumphed in the competition on five separate occasions.Her old side currently hold the record for the most trophy wins in the tournament’s 23-year history, having won it eight times previously.The highly coveted prize remains the only major honour to elude Chelsea who, under boss Emma Hayes, have won more WSL titles than any English side.Buchanan, who netted in the Blues’ 3-0 Wednesday night defeat of Aston Villa, said: “That’s what I came here for. Read More Football Stories”To win a Champions League in the blue shirt. That would be my ‘all’ moment.”It’s exciting but you have to take it one game at a time.”I think we’re doing a great job doing that, just focusing on each game and each game being like a championship because at the end of the day it is.”Each game matters so much and you just focus on one step at a time.Most read in FootballWith an FA Cup semis loss to Manchester United ending Chelsea dreams of a silverware triple this term, hopes of a double rest with their Champions League and WSL title hunt.Today Buchanan and her team-mates will begin the formidable task of attempting to knock out two-time winners Barcelona over two legs in this year’s semis.The Catalan juggernauts – unbeaten in Spain’s top tier with 22 wins in 23 games and 102 goals – have been a nemesis for the English league leaders in recent years.The team defeated Hayes’s side 4-0 in their first Champions League final foray three years ago.However, their last four knockout of Chelsea last April was a much tighter affair scoreline-wise.A 2-1 win on aggregate sealed their progress to a June final where they battled from 2-0 down to beat Wolfsburg 3-2.The second half of this season, and Hayes’s last before her reign as USA Women’s boss starts, has seen Chelsea battle for silverware with some key players absent.Long-term injuries have sidelined strikers Sam Kerr and Mia Fischel with both recovering from anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.But  team have been given a fitness boost with Hayes confirming Lauren James and centre-back and skipper Millie Bright as available for selection. Forward James, currently second highest goal scorer in the WSL this term, missed her team’s win against Villa on Wednesday due to injury. And Bright returned to training following a five-month absence with a knee concern. Buchanan believes the depth and calibre of Chelsea’s squad will be key to their push for trophies, including a seventh WSL title, in the final weeks of the season.The defender, who has made 14 WSL and European appearances this term, added: “We always have that confidence and belief that whoever is out on the field is well capable of getting the job done.Chelsea have been boosted by captain Millie Bright’s return to training ahead of their clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty”Even if they didn’t play three, four games or even if they didn’t start five or 10 games, when they’re out on the field, you trust them to get the job done.”I feel that as for myself as well, if you don’t always start, that doesn’t matter. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can still just go play football and get the job done just like any other player.”Barcelona vs Chelsea will be streamed live on DAZN’s Women’s Champions League channel on YouTube at 12:30pm More

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      Emma Hayes reacts to Chelsea ace Lauren James unfollowing Lionesses team-mates after Women’s FA Cup semi-final

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      EMMA HAYES has not spoken to Lauren James regarding the Chelsea forward supposedly unfollowed two England team-mates on social media.Hayes addressed a question concerning an incident that occurred during her team’s FA Cup semis loss to Manchester United.Emma Hayes says she has not any conversations concerning Instagram posts with Lauren James following an incident during Chelsea’s FA Cup loss to Man UtdCredit: ReutersBlues forward James is claimed to have unfollowed some of her Lionesses team-mates on social media after Millie Turner sharing a picture of them both tussling for a ballCredit: GettyThe image was among of pictures of United’s win shared by Turner on Instagram and the social media platform XThe picture of James grappling for the ball with Turner was taken after she pulled a goal back against United during Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final loss to the teamCredit: GettyOn Sunday the Red Devils battled their way to the contest’s final for the second year in a row by beating Chelsea.They clinched a hardfought 2-1 win against last year’s cup winners.After the Manchester side took a 2-0 lead, James a pulled goal back against her old club moments before half-time.The forward, who was eager to resume play as swiftly as possible, got into a tussle for the ball with United’s Millie Turner.Read More Football StoriesIt resulted in the Chelsea ace, 22, appearing to put the centre-back in a headlock with the duo being separated minutes later.Following Man Utd’s win Turner took to Instagram posting a few images from the match. These included a picture of the incident alongside a caption which read ‘KAMMOONNNN’.The image was also in featured in an Instagram story post shared by the player, which included the words ‘See you at Wembley my reds’.Most read in FootballA few of Turner’s Lionesses and Man Utd team-mates liked or shared remarks on Turner’s post which appeared to make light of that moment in the game.And eagle-eyed fans following players’ Instagram accounts claimed James has unfollowed the defender as well her fellow England team-mates Ella Toone and Mary Earps.Turner’s inclusion of the image of her and James vying for the ball prompted online debate between fans with some criticising the post.Ahead of Chelsea’s WSL duel with Aston Villa, Hayes was asked for her thoughts with James having been a target online abuse on social media in the past.The Blues chief, 47, whose side host Villa on Wednesday evening, said: “We don’t look at Instagram. She doesn’t have it, so I don’t know.“I haven’t had the conversation about Instagram with her. We haven’t talked about it.”A victory for Chelsea would see them returning to winning ways and go level on points with leaders Manchester City before their Saturday duel with Barcelona in the Champions League semis.The team are targeting a double trophy win with five games left until the end of the Women’s Super League season.Hayes added: “I want the players to enjoy themselves.Chelsea’s players trained with hailstones raining down on them on Tuesday ahead of a WSL clash with Aston VillaCredit: Getty“I want them to play without feeling like they have a point to prove to anyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I see them every day and what they do every day.“I want them to remind our fans once again why they’re a fantastic group of people that try their very best in a Chelsea shirt to try and win games.” More

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      Former Tottenham skipper Jenna Schillaci says Spurs can become one of the best teams in the country

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      FOR Jenna Schillaci playing in a Tottenham women’s football side once seemed an impossible dream.Today the retired former Spurs defender hopes the team can fulfil their dream of reaching a Women’s FA Cup final by beating Leicester.Jenna Schillaci believes Tottenham have the capability to challenge for the biggest honours in the women’s domestic gameCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe team will battle Leicester City for a place in this year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: PALike Tottenham the Foxes are competing in a Women’s FA Cup semi-final for the first time in their historyCredit: GettyA feat that would be a new milestone for the Women’s Super League side who have come a long way from the part-time club Schillaci joined 24 years ago.Back then the team, whose players included nurses and teachers, used to train on a North London council estate and competed at an amateur level.Reflecting on those days Schillaci, 40, who played for Tottenham for 12 years and once captained side, said: “My family are Spurs mad.“My earliest memories are going down to White Hart Lane every other Saturday with my two brothers and just dreaming of one day playing as part of a team.Read More Football Stories“But back then, it wasn’t even really a dream because I never saw women’s football. “It wasn’t visible for me, so it was like an impossible dream.“When I used to go and watch the men’s (team), I would read the (matchday) programme before the game.“I once saw a really tiny section about a women’s team, which I didn’t know existed, but I couldn’t join it until I was 16 years old.Most read in Football“I showed my dad and my mum and told them, ‘As soon as I’m 16, you’ve got to take me down there’ and they did that.“They used to train on a Wednesday night on an estate in Tottenham and it was the last slot of the night from 9:00pm until 10:00pm, a bit late for a 16-year-old to be out.“But I remember just turning up and absolutely, living my dream there. “I would be running rings around the players. I was the youngest by about 15 years because it was a women’s team.“For the warm-ups I recall jogging around the estate. “I’m sure my mum used to follow us in her car, just to make sure we got around safely.“But this was a dream come true and I couldn’t believe my luck that I was playing for Tottenham. “And you’d play anywhere from muddy grassroots pitches to Hackney Marshes on a Sunday afternoon.”Today’s FA Cup semis clash between Spurs and Leicester will be battled out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A stark contrast to the muddy pitches Schillaci and her old team-mates once competed on during the early stages of her playing career at the club.Following the completion of a physical education degree at Greenwich University and stints at Queen Park Rangers, and Enfield Town, Schillaci returned to playing for the side in 2009.She went on skipper the team, that once competed in the Greater London Women’s Football League, helping them rise up the pyramid to promotion to the WSL in 2019.Since Schillaci’s retirement in June 2020, Spurs achieved their highest ever top-flight finish in fifth spot two years ago before avoiding relegation and finishing ninth last term.  This season has seen them flourish under boss Robert Vilahamn who took charge of the side last July, four months after the sacking of former manager Rehanne Skinner.Under the Sweden-born head coach the team have achieved some new firsts.These include beating Arsenal in a WSL derby and reaching the FA Cup semis for their first time in their history by defeating Manchester City. And Schillaci expects the team will eventually challenge City and WSL giants Chelsea and Arsenal for the game’s biggest domestic honours.She adds: “They had a tough season last year in a relegation battle and they survived that.“When you look back at it from then to now it’s like a million miles apart. “You’ve only got a look at the calibre of players at the club.“You’ve got Bethany England, a Euros winner, a young Lioness in Grace Clinton, Celin Bizet and Charlie Grant.Schillaci believes Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, including signing Grace Clinton on loan from Man United, has reaped rewards for the team this seasonCredit: Getty“They’re really investing in the recruitment and they’re also going for younger players now and you can see the strategy.“It’s incredible to see the rise and it’s down to a lot of people. It’s a really exciting time for the team.”The infrastructure that they have there now and have had over the last couple of seasons, is probably one of the best in the country.“And you’re seeing it this season with the team competing with the best.”I think in a short period of time, they will become one of the best teams in the country.”Four years after hanging up her boots Schillaci now works as operations manager in Tottenham Women’s Academy.Among the players who have risen through ranks and could feature against Leicester today is England Under-23s starlet Jessica Naz.The Spurs forward, 23, who has made 17 WSL appearances this term, helped the Young Lionesses to go unbeaten in the Under-23s European League.Schillaci said: “Jess is a key example of one of our own, a local girl has been with us through our pathway, doing well on an international stage.“I remember when she joined the club when she was 15 or 16. READ MORE SUN STORIES”She was a team-mate of mine for three or four seasons. She was a nightmare to defend (against) in training.“For her to be there competing every day with world class players (in Tottenham’s first team) I think it’s pushing her on and her future is so bright.”Schillaci has high hopes for Jessica Naz with the forward impressing for Tottenham this termCredit: Getty More