Niamh Charles interview: 'Cup finals are normal for Chelsea - this is what we are'
Emma Hayes has spent 12 years working tirelessly to cultivate and uphold Chelsea's reputation as a group of compulsive winners and the most mentally robust team in the land.
Indeed, without her far-reaching influence, it is difficult to see how they could have enjoyed the full extent of their recent domestic domination.
With the final months of her trophy-laden tenure as manager now upon us, Sunday's League Cup Final against Arsenal is the first silverware up for grabs in a potentially historic quadruple-chasing last season before Hayes leaves for the United States.
"That is what we are", says Chelsea defender Niamh Charles of their reputation as ruthless competitors.
"That's what I experience every day, and to us it feels extremely normal. It makes me proud to be described like that, because I know that's one of the biggest strengths of our team.
"It might not be until after Emma has left that I reflect on it. [Winning trophies] was the culmination of what Emma has been building for years and years.
"When we're in a game, you'd never count us out."
Lionesses star Charles has won seven trophies since leaving Liverpool for Chelsea in 2020 and recognises she is "fortunate" to have played for English football's dominant side.
Despite Sam Kerr giving them a second-minute lead, Chelsea lost 3-1 in last year's League Cup Final to Arsenal.
At Molineux on Sunday afternoon, they face their conquerors that day in a repeat final.
"Every game at this point in the season is a cup final", says Charles. "Obviously there is actually a cup final on Sunday, but every other game is basically a cup final as well."
After the League Cup, Chelsea could still win the FA Cup, Champions League and WSL this season.
We're exactly where we want to be - but we could also come away with nothing
Chelsea defender Niamh Charles
"This has been a good season so far,” she adds. “We're exactly where we want to be - but we could also come away with nothing. We're conscious of that.
"It's the business end of the season now - the most fun part. We're not complacent or tired."
Chelsea know Arsenal very well indeed, and a 3-1 WSL win over the Gunners a fortnight ago will have given them extra confidence.
"There's no other team I'd want to be a part of", insists Charles. "[Arsenal] are a top team. That's why both teams are in the final. Chelsea can come out on top. We'll be doing our very best to make sure that's the case."
