Hayes orders a landmark Euro double for Blues

EMMA HAYES has found a coaching ally in Thomas Tuchel as the two managers bid to make Chelsea great again in a unique Champions League double.

Chelsea Women will look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg semi-final deficit when they host Bayern Munich today ahead of Tuchel’s men trying to book their place in the final against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

It will be a first for Chelsea or any other club to have both sides in the final together and Hayes says she and Tuchel would not have it any other way.

‘At Chelsea we always talk about winning in this place,’ she said.

‘That is what comes with the territory. We do not mind the pressure, expectations, the tags or titles or whatever comes with it.

‘We just know we are a club that wants to be in winning positions and it is great to think both the men’s and women’s teams have reached these stages. That said, we are about winning things not just getting here.’

Hayes has made Chelsea the dominant force in English football in nearly a decade at the club, having made her name as a coach at the previously all-conquering Arsenal. And she revealed she was only too happy to share her insight with German coach Tuchel when he arrived as Frank Lampard’s replacement in January

‘I had a lovely encounter with Thomas Tuchel,’ she added. ‘He is an open-minded, progressive coach. There is a reason why the men’s team are performing like they are and if we can mirror that success that would be fantastic.

‘He loves our team and knows women’s football. We had a chat about his time at PSG and exchanged conversation in and around Chelsea. I am excited about him being here.’

Hayes will be looking to experienced players such as defender Millie Bright to steer Chelsea into their first Champions League final with the Women’s Super League crown already all but won.

Bright, 27, echoed her manager and said: ‘We are all as one as a club. Chelsea wants to be successful and known for winning the biggest trophies on the biggest stages against the biggest teams.

‘We are working together. We represent the same club and same badge and it would be amazing for both teams to do well. It is a good time for the club.’