Last update on. From the section Women's Football
Chelsea won the second consecutive WSL title under Hayes last season.
Emma Hayes claims Chelsea are "raring for go" for the Women's Super League season, having overcome their Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
Chelsea will face a new Arsenal at Emirates on Sunday (12:30 BST) to defend their WSL title.
Hayes expressed excitement before the opener.
She said, "I'm ready to go and I know the players are."
"I really enjoyed preseason. Covid was hard last year so I want to just enjoy what I do, enjoy the players, and take advantage of the privilege that I am in.
Hayes has been with Chelsea since 2012 and signed a new contract in July.
She led the Blues to a second consecutive WSL title and the League Cup last season. They also became the first English club to reach the final of the Women's Champions League in 14 years.
Although Hayes' team was defeated 4-0 by Barcelona in the match, the 44-year old insists they have overcome the loss.
"That was last May. She said, "It's over, it's over." "This is a new season. We look forward to taking advantage of them.
Arsenal finished third in last season's WSL. They have hired Jonas Eidevall, 38, as their new manager.
The Swede already has three victories in Champions League qualifying matches.
The Gunners announced Friday that they had signed Tobin Heath (a former Manchester United forward and two-time World Cup winner), after having previously brought in Mana Iwabuchi and Nikita Paarris during the summer.
Hayes stated that she expects a difficult game with both teams "very much at the equal level".
She said, "I just want the season start." "I hope there's a good crowd. I'm sure there will a great product. Two teams at the same level.
It's all you could ask for in a Sunday afternoon football game.
