Women's Champions League: Emma Hayes fires Chelsea warning ahead of Ajax visit

Blues hold 3-0 lead ahead of meeting at Stamford Bridge
Hayes has warned her Chelsea side despite big lead
Zac Goodwin/PA Wire
Nizaar Kinsella27 March 2024

Emma Hayes has warned her Chelsea team against complacency, as they bid to seal a spot in the semi-finals of the Women’s Champions League.

The Blues are 3-0 up against Ajax going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge, but Hayes (above) insists they cannot write off rivals who have “nothing to lose”.

“The fear of losing, or the fear of not being in that semi-final, is as big a drive as the desire to win it,” she said. “In fact, it’s more.

“There is no one in our dressing room that will take the game lightly or think for one minute, just because we’re winning 3-0, that the game is over. That is a mistake.

“When a team has nothing to lose, they play with freedom. They are often the most dangerous opponents.”

Colombian striker Mayra Ramirez is fit for Chelsea, who would face either holders Barcelona or Norwegian side Brann in the semi-finals.

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