Emma Hayes has warned Chelsea not to be complacent when they attempt to reach the FA Cup final at the expense of struggling Manchester City on Sunday.
City are ninth in the Women’s Super League after a surprisingly poor start and are depleted by injuries, but Hayes will not make the mistake of underestimating Gareth Taylor’s team.
“They’ve just been a bit unfortunate,” Chelsea’s manager said. “In the games I’ve watched I’ve seen them dominate and not take their chances. I’ve listened to Gareth’s interviews and I think he’s been spot on. Sometimes when you get into a bad place the confidence gets affected and then things just happen.
“I don’t think they’ve been poor, they’ve just been a little unfortunate and I think the injuries haven’t helped in that situation. But they’re a really good team. They’ve just shown that with Jill Scott coming into the team – what a brilliant player she’s been for that club. I don’t underestimate them. I’ve been in this too long to ever do that.”
Hayes said that Pernille Harder was fit to face the holders at City’s Academy Stadium and she praised the Denmark forward’s influence on Chelsea’s performances. “I just think she’s settled,” she said. “That makes all the difference. She’s been a real pleasure to be around because all that wisdom, all that knowledge, is so helpful. I really enjoy conversations I have with her because she’s so invested in what it takes to become the best.”
The semi-final will come too soon for Lauren James, who has had fitness issues since joining Chelsea from Manchester United in the summer. Hayes intends to ease in the 19-year-old forward slowly.
“I’ve been really cautious with Lauren to make sure the injuries she’s had prior to coming to this club are ones that don’t keep coming back,” she said. “Lauren has got abilities that are very very special on the ball. She’s 19 years of age, she’s going to be learning from the best players in the world. I think that’s the starting point. I have no doubt that her abilities will pay off. She’s Chelsea mad. I think we need to give her time to settle.”
