Hayes insists her $1.3m deal to coach the US is 'a contract I think I'm worth'

Emma Hayes says the United States have given her a contract that she is ‘worth’ and revealed she previously earned as little as six thousand pounds a year at Chelsea.

Hayes will become the highest earning female coach in the world when she takes up her role with the USWNT this summer and it is understood she will be paid the same $1.3million salary as men’s boss Gregg Berhalter.

The 47-year-old insisted that money was not her motivation behind taking the job but that she fully deserves the contract she has been given.

‘I'm not going to comment on what's written in the press about pay because I'm just not, I have certainly been awarded a contract that I think I'm worth,’ Hayes said.

‘I worked in this job [as Chelsea manager] for six grand a year at one point and 12 grand.

‘Money has never been my motivation in life. I think focusing on that would be against who I am. For the reasons I've stated earlier, I've made it clear where I'm at in my life and I don't really think there's much else to say on that.’

Hayes will finish the season with Chelsea before taking up her new role in June. She has previous experience of coaching in the US and enjoyed spells with Long Island Lady Riders, Ioana Gaels and Chicago Red Stars.

‘I made no secret of the fact that I spent ten years of my life living in America,’ Hayes said. ‘I've built a lot of connections to the country.

‘I understand the country, its ecosystem and everything with it. This probably was the only job that would take me away from Chelsea.

‘I had a fantastic time. I was working seven days a week and not having much responsibility. I got to travel the breadth and depth of the USA.

‘I've seen 40 out 50 states in my time there. There have been a lot of messages that have come across the pond this week, not that I've answered any of them. Sorry for everyone who has sent me a text message, I apologise. I haven't had the time.’

Hayes, who said she has not yet spoken with the US players, will have four matches to prepare before taking charge of the team for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.