Emma Hayes highlighted her players patience as key in Wednesday’s Vitality FA Cup quarter-final victory against Birmingham City.
Chelsea booked our place in the last four of last season’s competition with a 4-0 win at St Andrews courtesy of a Fran Kirby double and goals from Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder.
It took the Blues up until the hour mark before we broke the deadlock through Kerr’s opener and Hayes was pleased with her team’s perseverance.
She said: ‘When you make so many changes, it’s always really challenging for players coming in because you have to form a new rhythm and new relationships on the pitch.
‘We train together every day, but nothing beats a match. Fair play to Birmingham because they were well organised, they made it difficult for us and they got numbers behind the ball.
‘Our final pass wasn’t good enough in the first half and I didn’t think we got enough quality deliveries or numbers into the box.
‘You have to be patient and the players remained patient. We went 1-0 up but I’d already made the decision to make changes prior to that goal and I didn’t change it. Players will be disappointed coming out but ultimately, I felt at 1-0 we still had to see the game out.
‘I’m always happy when we win. I’ve learnt to always be grateful in victory but more importantly I recognise that for players who haven’t played, how challenging it is, and I’m happy for them.’
While it was the goals from Kerr, Kirby and Harder that ultimately made the difference on Wednesday evening, Hayes reserved praise for the contribution of Jorja Fox who made just her second start for the Blues.
She added: ‘Sam, Fran, Pernille, they can score consistently together. A real credit to Jorja Fox, our youngster, she put a wonderful ball into Sam for her goal.
‘I’m sure it will take turns throughout the year. There will be many other moments when others will chip in.’
Hayes’s side have been drawn against Manchester City with the semi-final to take place away from home at the end of October and the Chelsea manager is very much looking forward to the clash.
Hayes said: ‘We are in the semi-final. I don’t want to be sat at home watching two other teams.
‘I don’t care where it is, I don’t care who it is. I can’t wait.’
Chelsea return to league action this weekend as we welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Kingmseadow on Saturday. The fixture against the Seagulls kicks-off at 11.30am and is available to watch live on Sky Sports.
Tickets for the clash against Brighton can be purchased here.