Emma Hayes has been the unofficial spokesperson for women’s football in this country for the last decade.
She did not ask to be put in that position, but she has carried the burden without complaint. For the most part, it has come with praise and plaudits after years of success on the pitch.
She probably knew there would come a time where she would have to weather a storm. The last month has brought scrutiny of the kind she has not faced before.
Chelsea have seen two trophies slip from their grasp in their last two games.