Emma Hayes reminded her Chelsea players it is “only half-time” in their Women’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Ajax, despite a resounding 3-0 first-leg win in Amsterdam last night.
One goal from Lionesses star Lauren James and a double from summer signing Sjoeke Nusken mean the last English team left in Europe have one foot in the semi-finals.
If they reach the last-four in next Wednesday’s second leg at Stamford Bridge, they would face either Norwegian side Brann or holders Barcelona, who play each other tonight.
.“This game is only at half-time,” Hayes warned.
“Often when you go away and you win games like this, the brain gets a little bit relaxed, you go home, and you see an opposite performance.
“I think we need to heed the warning and share that experience with the players ahead of next week.”
Germany midfielder Nusken has ten goals in 27 appearances since joining Chelsea, and Hayes has been pleased with how she has adapted to the striker role.
Hayes, 47, said: “You see she not only belongs on the big stage but she’s someone, no matter where she plays, who’s going to be equally good.
“She’s a box player, no question. She wants to be there and the third goal epitomised her desire, her positioning and quality.
“She plays as a No8, she’s equally good. She plays as centre-half, she’s just as good. In fact, I might give her a game in goal next week just to test it out.”
Chelsea are hunting a quadruple in their final season before Hayes departs for the USA. They lead the WSL table by goal difference over Manchester City, and visit the league’s second-bottom side West Ham on Sunday.
