Chelsea manager resonates with Jurgen Klopp’s struggles, but highlights challenges faced by female coaches

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has expressed understanding of Jurgen Klopp’s recent comments regarding burnout, relating to his decision to step away from Liverpool in the summer. Like Klopp, Hayes will leave her post at the end of the season to join the United States women’s national team, aiming for a lighter workload that will allow her more time with her son, Harry.

Reflecting on Klopp’s announcement, Hayes shared, “I relate to everything he said. The pressure and the mental toll of football coaching are immense, and I don’t think enough attention is given to the mental health and well-being of staff in the sport.”

Hayes, 47, has experienced her own health challenges in recent years, compounded by the loss of her father, Sid, late last year. She emphasised that the sheer volume of hours required in coaching roles makes the job “unsustainable,” a sentiment shared by Klopp in his departure statement.

However, Hayes also pointed out the stark differences in the options available to male and female coaches. She acknowledged Klopp’s ability to step back from football for a full rest, a luxury that female coaches often do not have. “I don’t have his luxury,” she said. “I don’t have the luxury to make a decision that he can make.”

In a broader context, Hayes noted that female coaches are often paid less than their male counterparts, which can add to the pressure. She also mentioned the difficulty of taking time off, a point highlighted further by the recent sacking of Brighton manager Melissa Phillips.

As Hayes prepares for her new international role, she remains focused on her current responsibilities with Chelsea, as they return to action in the Women’s Super League (WSL) against Everton this weekend. She also gave an update on Chelsea’s squad, confirming the return of Melanie Leupolz but noting that Ann Katrin Berger, Cat Macario, and Millie Bright are still sidelined with injuries.

Leopards battle back from early setback to secure place in final four

The Democratic Republic of Congo fought back from an early deficit to defeat Guinea 3-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium on Friday, securing a semi-final spot for the first time since 2015.

Guinea had taken the lead in the 20th minute when DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba gave away a penalty after a foul on Mohamed Bayo, who converted from the spot. However, the Congolese side quickly responded, with Mbemba making amends just seven minutes later by scoring a brilliant left-footed finish from a tight angle to level the match.

The Leopards then took control in the second half. In the 65th minute, Yoane Wissa calmly converted a penalty after Guinea’s Julian Jeanvier fouled Silas Katompa, putting DR Congo ahead. Arthur Masuaku sealed the victory with a stunning free-kick from near the touchline, which caught the Guinea goalkeeper out of position to make it 3-1 with eight minutes remaining.

Guinea, seeking their first-ever AFCON semi-final appearance, could have taken the lead in the opening moments when Mbemba appeared to handle the ball in the box, but their claims for a penalty were denied. The Congolese then grew into the game, with Mbemba’s equaliser and the subsequent goals ensuring a comprehensive win.

Despite drawing all three group-stage matches and needing penalty shootouts to progress from the last 16, DR Congo showed their resilience with a powerful display. They now await the winner of the match between hosts Ivory Coast and Mali for their semi-final clash in Abidjan on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Nigeria had also progressed to the semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Angola, and they will face either the Cape Verde Islands or South Africa in their next match.