The Blues began their WSL title defence with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening with boss Emma Hayes in the dugout following an emotional week where her father Sid passed away
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes broke down in tears following her side’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham as she was presented with a tribute from her players in honour of her late father.
On Monday, Hayes announced the tragic passing of her father, Sid, on social media. The Chelsea boss has long described her father as a cornerstone in her football career, owing his influence to her unprecedented success.
Ahead of the new WSL season, Hayes said she would honour the legacy of her late father by continuing her success with the Blues in the upcoming season. But after the 2-1 victory over Spurs on Sunday evening, it was her players and staff who honoured Hayes as they surprised their manager with a framed Chelsea shirt with ‘Papa’ engraved on the back above the number 82, the age at which Hayes’ father passed away.
Hayes, visibly moved to tears, was consoled by her players and staff on the pitch as she took in the touching gesture. At Cobham ahead of the new season, Hayes had said: “I will say this, I say it on behalf of all my family, if I didn’t come to work today then I could hear my dad, I would hear him in me and he would be saying get your backside to work.