Compared to her idol Brian Clough, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is delighted to be seen as "the female equivalent" of him.

Hayes guided the Blues to their first League Cup final after beating Manchester United 1-0 on Wednesday evening. Chelsea will face Arsenal in the final on February 29 at Nottingham Forest's City Ground - the club which Clough was at the helm of for 18 years. 

"I'm a huge fan of Brian Clough. I might be his female equivalent but I'm quite happy with that," said Hayes.

"I love Brian Clough. I grew up in a household that loved him. To go to his home as a manager will be a really special moment for me."

Known for his no-nonsense attitude and charisma, Clough won the European Cup and League title twice during his tenure at Forest. The legendary manager was also in charge of Derby County, who he won the League Title with as well - he took over both clubs when they were in the Second Division.

Clough died in September 2004.

Hayes has been in charge of Chelsea since 2012, since then she has become one of the best managers in women's football. The 43-year-old has two Women's Super League titles and two Women's FA Cups as Blues' boss.

Emma is yet to win the League Cup - a trophy only Arsenal and Manchester City have lifted. Last season saw her side lose in both the Champions League and domestic semi-finals.

"Everybody knows we've stumbled at this stage," said Hayes. "I'm proud of the players. They've always been a good bunch but right now there's a calmness and a composure to the team.

"I want to win. Winning breeds more winning, that's what I've learnt. Getting on a roll is important.

"There's a hunger in our group that wasn't there last year. There's a stronger mentality.

"But we're not going to the final to make the numbers up."