Emma Hayes became 'unwell' due to stress towards the end of her time at Chelsea

Emma Hayes became "unwell" due to stress towards the end of her time at Chelsea.

The coach left the Blues after 12 years this summer to take over as manager of the United States national team and is happy to be free from the gruelling nature of the club game.

Hayes told BBC Sport: "I don't have to sacrifice the things that made me healthy. I didn't feel healthy at the end, I actually felt unwell at the end of my time at Chelsea.

"It wasn't pressure, it was the stress and toll it took on me and doing that during menopause was even harder.

"To get on top of all of those things, I've got my mojo back and my smile and enjoyment back which I didn't realise I had lost."

Hayes will be back in England when the USA take on the Lionesses in a friendly on Saturday (30.11.24) and admits that it will be a baffling experience when the national anthems of her home and adopted nation ring out at Wembley.

She said: "Of course I need to go through a weird moment when the national anthems are being played.

"I'll hum along to it being the English person I am, but also the same for the US one because I love it - I love both anthems.

"Beyond that weird moment and coming up against players I've gone to war with, it's business come kick-off.

"I hope it's an entertaining game and a sellout."

Hayes is also intrigued by the prospect of pitting her wits against England coach Sarina Wiegman for the first time.

She said: "I'm looking forward to seeing Sarina. I love Sarina.

"We had a great relationship when I was at Chelsea. She's someone I really look up to, and someone who's done an amazing job for football in this country and for the Lionesses. So I look forward to giving her a hug on Saturday and saying 'hi'."