Emma Hayes 'shocked' by Brighton sacking and talks about Klopp's departure from Reds

EMMA HAYES was left stunned when Brighton sacked Melissa Phillips after less than 10 months in charge of the women's side.

The Chelsea boss also sympathized with Jurgen Klopp's reasons for stepping down as Liverpool boss and leaving at the end of this term.

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Hayes, 47, spoke to reporters on Friday, less than 24 hours after the Seagulls announced Phillips' departure.

The departure of the American head coach came five days after Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Albion.

It follows a run of seven defeats in twelve WSL matches this season, with the Seagulls sitting second from bottom.

Brighton say their decision was “vital to the progress” they want to see the team make in the WSL, with the club harboring top three ambitions.

Hayes, whose team hosts Everton, said: “The manager has only been appointed since April last year, she just put players in the window in January.

“I thought they were a very organized team when we played them last week, but there are a lot of young players who need a while (to develop).

“It is difficult for anyone to get into the top three.

“We have developed a much more experienced team than Brighton since the challenges it has posed for Manchester United.

“To be honest, I was shocked by that decision.

“Yes, the game is going that way, but no one here (in women's football) gets paid a million pounds to make that decision. It seemed a little fast.”

Hayes' team are currently at the top after ten wins from twelve league matches this season.

And they hope to win a seventh WSL title under their boss, who will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the US women's team.

Hayes' departure after 14 trophy-laden years in the Blues' hotseat will coincide with Klopp parting ways with Liverpool later this year.

The 56-year-old German will leave at the end of this season after nine successful years in which he led the Reds to seven major trophies, including Champions League and Prem titles.

And 'a lack of energy' was one of the reasons Klopp gave for his decision to leave the club he loves.

On his motivations for stepping down from his role, Hayes said: “I could relate to everything he said, and I think perhaps not enough attention and time is given to the mental health and wellbeing of the football staff.

“Everyone expects the most from us (manager).

“Players expect everything from us, clubs expect everything, everyone expects everything. But the number of hours you have to spend on this job is unsustainable.”

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On Klopp's candid explanation, Hayes added: “He put it better than me.

“He put it very well. However, I don't have his luxury, that's the difference

“Nevertheless, I'm also going to the Olympics and a World Cup (with the US), so I might have to think about that or keep myself as fresh as possible.”