Emma Hayes has urged Chelsea fans not to panic despite uncertainty over the futures of star players Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby.
Both Kerr and Kirby have entered the final six months of their contracts and a new era will begin at the club this summer, with Hayes herself set to depart after 12 years in charge to take up her new role as head coach of the US national team.
Kerr has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury during the club’s warm weather training camp in Morocco last week, which initially sparked fears she may have played her final game for the club, though one report on Thursday claimed she is now set to sign an extension.
“The focus with Sam right now is on rehab,” Hayes said. “I’m sure when the time’s right to discuss her future that time will come from Sam and the club but Sam loves Chelsea and Chelsea love Sam. I think that’s the most important thing to say on that front.”
Kirby, meanwhile, has endured another season plagued by fitness struggles and said in an interview last week that there had been “no conversations” over a new contract.
“When it comes to Fran, it’s not unusual players going into the last six months of their contract," Hayes added. "Fran knows that our goal with her is to keep her on the pitch for 100 per cent of the season, not less than 50 per cent. She understands that.
“Sometimes she’s a bit impatient and wants to do everything at once. We know what a talent she is, what we can expect from Fran and I’m sure when the club and the player have something to announce they will.
“But I don’t think anyone should be too panicked just because of the timelines. We’ve worked over 11 years to put in place a structure to make sure we’re always planning and preparing and I think Chelsea’s future is in a very good place.”
