Chelsea women's boss Emma Hayes has responded to criticism from Jonas Eidevall by reading out a poem at a bizarre press conference.
It came after Arsenal manager Eidevall doubled down on his opinion that his rival was 'irresponsible' with what she said after the Continental Cup final.
Hayes pushed the Swede after Arsenal won 1-0 in extra-time at Molineux late last month and claimed afterwards that he showed 'male aggression' on the touchline.
Eidevall was not happy with Hayes' comment and reiterated that view when speaking to the media on Friday morning following the international break.
Emma Hayes gave a bizarre press conference in response to Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall
Sky Sports
Hayes was immediately asked about the incident when she held her press conference later in the day.
Asked if she had reflected on what happened, the 47-year-old chose not to speak directly about it and instead revealed a conversation she had with her son.
Hayes replied: "Well my son said to me after the game 'Mummy, when you push someone in school, you're asked to go and take time out'.
"And I said to him 'You know what darling, you can't meet aggression with aggression, all you can do is tell the teacher. All you can do is go and explain to the teacher why you think something's unfair'.
"I said even if the players go to the teacher, even if the parents go to the teacher, that's all you can do.
"You cannot meet aggression with aggression. And I thought it was a really good conversation to have with my son after the final."
Hayes, who will leave Chelsea in the summer, was then asked if she would change anything she did after the final or whether she stands by it.
But she responded by reading out part of a poem by Robert Frost called 'Choose Something Like A Star'.
Hayes said: "So when at times the mob is swayed, to carry praise or blame too far, we may choose somewhere like a star, to stay our minds on and be staid."
Asked about the meaning behind the poem, she said: "I've had a fantastic break, I've already explained an important analogy that I shared with my son, and the lessons learned and my focus is on moving forward.
"And I've had time to look at my star."
When pressed directly on Eidevall's view that she was 'irresponsible', Hayes said: "I don't have an opinion on it."
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Emma Hayes read out part of a poem from her notes during the press conference
Sky Sports
Hayes escaped punishment from the FA for the push on Eidevall, something that didn't surprise the Arsenal manager.
He also reminded Hayes of her responsibility to think carefully before making such comments.
Eidevall said: "Not really [surprised Hayes wasn't punished]. I thought the comments that I heard after the game were very irresponsible.
"They were not mirroring the conduct that I had in the technical area.
Emma Hayes refused to comment directly on what Jonas Eidevall had to say
Getty
"That I thought was irresponsible, but that's all I basically think about it.
"The other parts when we shake hands after the game that's a very minor incident, for me that's nothing.
"I think when you make comments about other persons, you have to take into consideration what effects that they can have.
"Especially when you're a leader, you need to be very good with your words. You need to understand the consequences of both your actions and your language."
