Chelsea’s hopes of lifting the quadruple fizzed out in the dying moments of Sunday’s Conti Cup Final, as a Stina Blackstenius strike in the 116th minute saw Arsenal retain the title at Molineux. The Blues thought they’d taken the lead in the first half through Mayra Ramírez, but a VAR check saw the goal chalked off for a handball against Erin Cuthbert.
Emma Hayes appeared to shove her managerial counterpart after the final whistle rang out in Wolverhampton, and she explained in her post-match press conference that ‘there’s a way to conduct yourself on the touchline. I’m not down for male aggression on the touchline, fronting up with players. For me that’s unacceptable and I told Jonas that.’
‘He got a yellow card and in all honesty he probably should have been sent off. His behaviour on the touchline wasn’t acceptable. It’s not the first time he’s been told about his behaviour on the touchline.’
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite a clear rise in tensions between the two managers in what will be their final matchup, Hayes took the opportunity to praise Arsenal, explaining that ‘it’s a game of few chances and they took theirs.’
Quizzed as to whether a crowded March schedule contributed to their defeat, Hayes insisted that ‘we’re Chelsea – we don’t make excuses… of course a punishing schedule doesn’t help, but we grew into the game.’
Hayes was unaware of Frida Magnum’s condition after the Norwegian collapsed off-the-ball, but the Chelsea boss reiterated that ‘player welfare is the most important thing, and I really hope she’s okay.
