Emma Hayes was naturally very disappointed to see her Chelsea side concede two unfortunate goals against Barcelona in the opening quarter-of-an-hour of the Women’s Champions League final, giving us too big a mountain to climb, but the boss acknowledged the players will improve for the experience.
A very unlucky own goal inside 30 seconds and then a debatable penalty decision put Barca in a commanding position, and one they enhanced with two more first-half goals.
The Blues battled hard after the break but there was to be no way back in Gothenburg, leaving Hayes to rue the opening stages…
‘Today was difficult because the game was over before it began,’ she said.
‘That is what is so difficult to reflect on. To concede so early, and then we had two good chances, then they got the second from a penalty. Ann hasn’t had a save to make the whole game, yet we’ve lost the game 4-0. The damage was done.
‘They were favourites for a reason. You have to stay in the game against this team. It’s an own goal and a penalty and you’re 2-0 down. That’s the difference. Everything fell for them, they got the rub of the green, and they made that happen. They’re a wonderful team and I will be gracious in defeat.
‘I’m proud of the second-half performance. The players gave it everything. Congratulations to Barcelona, they are worthy winners and deserving of their title.’
Hayes recognised the progress her team has made this season
‘It’s something we will learn from. This is the next step up, and I thought we showed some naivety at times.
‘I felt calm coming into the game, but some of the inexperience cost us. They will grow from that, players will improve. I have a quiet dressing room right now, but they are proud of the shift they have put in.
‘Being in this position helps. I said to the players to look at the scoreboard. That has got to be a motivating factor when they come back in for pre-season. This will stay with them over the summer.
‘It’s been a wonderful season for us. We have won the double. It’s not like we are trophyless. I’m just gutted we didn’t get the chance to actually make a game of it. I did my best, I tried to coach the players, change a few things and give us some momentum, but it wasn’t to be.’
The boss also had a message for the Chelsea supporters
‘I love you. We miss you. We gave it everything. We are not quite European champions yet, but guess what, we are the second best team in Europe, and I will take that as a step in the right direction.’