English clubs need help in Europe insists Chelsea Ladies boss

Chelsea Ladies manager Emma Hayes has called on the FA to do more to help English clubs competing in Europe.

Chelsea face Wolfsburg in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday night even though their domestic season - which saw Chelsea win the double - finished over a month ago.

It is an issue that Hayes believes should be looked at if Women's Super League clubs are to stand a better chance of competing for the game's highest honours.

"Long-term, we have to look at scheduling of our own league so that English teams are prepared in the best possible way," she told Sportswomen on Sky Sports News HQ.

"I think a four week break in between fixtures is too long."

However, the FA have defended their decision to move the WSL season to the summer - and say record attendances support this.

An FA spokesman said: "We put a great deal of thought and work into fixture planning, incorporating factors such as FIFA international windows and ground share issues, to develop a calendar that aims to best meet the needs of the clubs, supporters and league as a whole.

"We moved the FA WSL to a summer league format as we felt it was the best way to develop and grow the league, maximise broadcast and commercial opportunities and ultimately move clubs towards financial sustainability.

"While there may be some individual issues, record attendances and growth this season shows that this approach is the right one for the FA WSL and women's domestic game."