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May 1, 2024, 05:25 PM ET

Emma Hayes admitted she believes the Women's Super League (WSL) title-race is "done" after suffering a damaging 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, crushing the west London side's chances of retaining the title.

The seven-goal spectacle now leaves Chelsea in an almost impossible place to win the WSL, six points behind leaders Manchester City and risk ending the season trophyless.

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"I think the title is done," Hayes said after the game.

"Of course, mathematically, it's not, but I think the title is done.

"Our job between now and the end of the season is to keep pushing until the end, but I think it will be very difficult.

"We will never give up.

But the title is far from us; it's not in our hands.

Of course, we will go to the end, but I don't think the title will be going to us this year."

Emma Hayes' final season at Chelsea is likely to end trophy less. Getty

Gemma Bonner marked her 150th appearance for Liverpool by netting twice against her former club to severely harm Hayes' chances of claiming a fifth consecutive WSL title before she departs the club at the end of this season to become the new head coach of the United States women's national team.

Hayes' side took an early lead through Aggie Beever-Jones, yet it was cancelled out by two nifty set-piece routines from the hosts that earned them the lead.

It's not to be this year but I'm sure Chelsea will continue to be at the top of the game and it's important that we go out in the best possible way."

On Saturday, Chelsea suffered an agonising loss against Barcelona 2-0 (2-1 on aggregate) in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final despite heading into the tie 1-0 up.

After a difficult few weeks, Hayes wanted to ease the blow on her players with the entire team being visibly emotional at the final whistle.

"I'm not going to be harsh on the players.

But I'm going to be kind to my players for everything they've done, I don't want to be too harsh on them," Hayes said.

"I've had amazing memories at this football club.
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