Millie Bright reveals Emma Hayes influence ahead of WSL return

Chelsea captain Millie Bright has opened up on the special relationships she shares with Emma Hayes and Rachel Daly ahead of the 2023/24 WSL season.

The 30-year-old skippered England's run through to the 2023 World Cup final in August, little over 12 months after Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses won the European Championship on home soil, and was a hugely influential figure in central defence.

Bright's impact was all the more remarkable given she was struggling with injury prior to the tournament, but speaking to Sky Sports Editions on the eve of the new WSL campaign, she admitted she had "ticked every box, mentally and physically" and was "never going to let myself miss a World Cup."

A winner of 75 international caps, Bright went into greater detail on her mental strength, where she credited the influence of long-serving Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who heads into the new WSL season looking to win a sixth title in seven years.

“I think Emma at Chelsea has been a massive mentor for me in terms of my mentality and mental health," Bright said of her manager. "I remember she sat me down in my early years at Chelsea where, she said 'you look like you’re ready to explode, what is the matter? You’re clearly not fine, I can tell'.

"Then I finally opened up and let out all the emotion. I always felt weak for doing that, I had to be strong for family, I had to be strong for the team, and strong for myself and my image. And then finally just letting out all that emotion and having that conversation with Emma and I think she learnt more about me that day than I probably did myself."

Bright also elaborated on her friendship with England teammate Rachel Daly, last season's WSL Golden Boot winner, speaking fondly of their excitement of being called up for international dutires together. The former Doncaster Belles also touched on the close bond they've formed because of struggles they've overcome in their respective lives.

"It's a dream come true," Bright remarked. "We get to travel the world. We get to go to a major tournament. Whenever we get selected for a camp, for a major tournament, we’re like: “we're in again! Bestie, we’re in, we can go again!” There’s no person I’d rather do it by my side than Rach. What I’ve had to witness her go through as well in life [her father passing away] I've almost gone through that as well.

"Seeing her come out the other side, back in the WSL and she's Golden Boot, Player of the Season with ridiculous performances. It just makes you appreciate even more the people around you and what we actually get to do for a living.”

Bright will be a hugely important figure for Chelsea as they look to fend off the challenges of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City for the WSL title. She will also have a huge role to play as Chelsea look to impose themselves on this season's Women's Champions League having disappointingly crashed out at the quarter-final stage during 2022/23.

• Sky Sports Editions will be exclusively available to watch on Sky Sports YouTube channels from Friday 29th September.