Emma Hayes clarified her comments on relationships between players on Thursday, saying she “thought I used the inappropriate term” after Chelsea’s inspiring 3-1 win over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge It’s wrong.”
Hayes faced backlash for calling relationships between coaches and players and relationships between players “inappropriate,” which many on social media interpreted as her saying the two situations were the same. Chelsea defender Jesse Carter was seen “liking” the key post.
“Yeah, of course I talked to her,” Hayes said. “That’s all I have to say. I want to make it clear to everyone in the room: I don’t want to create any more headlines for you. I think that’s what happens sometimes when we have honest conversations about things. .
“Of course I’m disappointed about it. Of course, Jesse and I had a conversation today, just like I have with other players on the team. [The players] They know exactly who I am and they know exactly what my intentions are. “
While the manager admitted he was let down by a poor choice of terminology, Hayes expressed dismay at the comments being taken out of context.
“I have to expect myself to be a well-trained, non-clickbait No. 1 coach, and I let myself down yesterday,” Hayes said. “I don’t think I was right to use the word ‘inappropriate’ with the players. That said, , when we have honest conversations about these things… I’m not going to take those words back, but I have zero criticism of any of the players in the locker room for anything, their professionalism, what they’ve done for the club, whatever. Whatever their status, no matter who they are related to [is not in question].
“My support for all players is unbelievable. I have always been an advocate for equality and fairness. I think, sadly, this has become a topic that has been unnecessarily hyped. But I can’t control social media, I Don’t want to do it either. But I do want to say I have an unbelievable locker room. You could see everyone’s performance tonight and they were very focused on what was important.
“As I say to our players all the time, even if we have disagreements in our lives, we can’t address them publicly. We have to have these conversations with each other. Because that’s an important thing you should be doing in the workplace, I think everyone understands that.”
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Hayes also took time to defend Arsenal’s sock incident, with the Gunner wearing logoed Chelsea socks bought from the big box store. “Because of who I am, I’m not going to throw the equipment guys under the bus,” Hayes said. “He’s going to feel bad tonight. It was a mistake. It was a mistake. He’s new to the position anyway. It happens.
“If this was an away game we would be wearing white and blue jerseys, but because it was a home game we knew three weeks in advance we were going to wear white socks and we were the home team. But because we didn’t have blue colored socks, I can’t just say don’t worry, we’ll put on blue socks because we don’t have any. We’re also in a time where, god knows why, they cut everything out, holes, all of it has a full the process of.”
