‘Male aggression’ complaints, attacks on player-player relationships and now a poem: Emma Hayes is not used to losing – and with the scrutiny ramped up perhaps her issues are a mirror of Jurgen Klopp, writes KATHRYN BATTE

Emma Hayes has been the unofficial spokesperson for women’s football in this country for the past decade.

She didn’t ask to be put in that position, but she has carried the burden without complaint. For the most part, praise and praise has come after years of success on the field.

She probably knew there would come a time when she would have to weather a storm. The past month has brought an examination she has never experienced before.

Chelsea have seen two trophies slip from their grasp in the last two games. First there was the defeat in the League Cup final against Arsenal. It was an exciting match where one clinical moment made the difference. Chelsea could have quickly put that disappointment behind them if not for what happened next.

To cut what is now a very familiar story short, Hayes shoved Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall and then accused him of showing ‘male aggression’ on the touchline. She received a lot of criticism, but the international break gave her two weeks to let the dust settle.

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She would always be questioned when Chelsea returned to action, and instead of apologizing, which would have brought the matter to an end, she recited a poem by Robert Frost.

It is not unusual for Hayes to come up with unusual answers during press conferences. Over the years we’ve had cat calls, geese analogies, and Star Wars references. The poem was different because it was used to avoid a negative situation, something Hayes is not used to.

If Chelsea had beaten Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, the story would have changed. Their defeat has only increased scrutiny.

The last two games, combined with Hayes’ recent comments about “inappropriate” relationships between players, which she later retracted and apologized for, have painted a picture that she is somehow losing her way, that she is at risk to cause damage. her legacy.

In football it’s easy to be reactive. Yes, it was a bad month for Hayes. Yes, she has done and said things that she might not have done in the past. But this is a woman who was paid £12,000 a year when she first took charge of Chelsea. A woman who took a club from mediocrity to excellence. A bad month doesn’t change that.

Being at the top can be exhausting. Hayes has spoken this season about the loneliness of management and how she felt exhausted at times. When asked about what success would look like this season, she replied, “Getting out alive.”

The suggestion that Hayes is starting to believe that her own publicity is wrong. Jurgen Klopp or Pep Guardiola would not be accused of that deficit.

However, comparisons can be made between Hayes and Klopp. Both announced that they would be leaving their club halfway through the season.

Some argued that it was useful to make that news public and that it would stop speculation. But in either case, players may feel extra pressure due to the need to engineer a suitable exit for their long-serving managers.

Like Hayes, Klopp has had moments when he lost his cool. The video of him snapping at a Norwegian journalist after Liverpool’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United is a good example of this.

Perhaps their impending departure has made Hayes and Klopp feel less need to hold back. The difference for Hayes is that, unlike Klopp, she is going straight to another job – and the biggest one in the world at that.

But write her off at your peril.

Chelsea still have two trophies up for grabs: the WSL and the Champions League. They are the toughest to beat, with Manchester City proving to be a strong title challenger, while Barcelona await in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

This is a crucial week, with Chelsea playing their hand match against Aston Villa on Wednesday before the first of their two matches against Barca on Saturday.

But Hayes has no intention of going down without a fight.

Newcastle Women continue their rise

A record 7,382 fans were at Kingston Park on Sunday to see Newcastle promoted to the Championship for the first time in their history.

It is the largest attendance at the stadium for any sport this season and higher than any crowd attracted by Premiership Rugby Union side Newcastle Falcons to date.

The club is conspicuous by its absence at the top of women’s football. The women’s team did not join the men’s club until 2022, but quickly enjoyed success under manager Becky Langley.

Club co-owner Amanda Staveley was there to witness their 10-0 win over Huddersfield Town and stood on the pitch in tears during the celebrations.

Newcastle turned their women’s team professional in the summer and they are now just one promotion away from the WSL.

Their rapid progress shows the importance of investing in the women’s game. However, there will be more scrutiny into where that money comes from as the club continues to rise.

Grace Clinton is ineligible to play for Spurs at Wembley

Spare a thought for Grace Clinton, who, after playing a major role in helping Tottenham reach their first-ever FA Cup final, is now ineligible to play at Wembley. The midfielder is on loan from Manchester United and will not be able to play against her old club.

Clinton has had a fantastic season and it is no surprise that Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn is keen to sign her permanently.

Vilahamn also deserves a lot of credit for the work he has done this season.

Comparisons have been made between himself and Ange Postecoglou, but it could be Vilahamn who lifts Tottenham’s first trophy in 16 years.