Emma Hayes says she is “definitely leaving at the right time” as her 12-year spell at Chelsea comes to an end.
The 47-year-old won the Women's Super League for the fifth consecutive time and seventh time in total.
In a thrilling finale to the WSL season, Chelsea clinched the title on goal difference over Manchester United.
“The sacrifice was great,” Hayes said. “There’s no way I can go on any longer. I can’t give you another drop.
“My job involves so many people, and when I do interact with people, I have such high standards for myself that it became impossible to maintain them.
“We found that difficult this year, not being able to meet the emotional needs of our players and the day-to-day demands of them in every way.
“I hope the club will really support the new manager and support him a bit more with player care and performance psychology.
“Although I cannot take care of them in the same way, I truly believe in happiness.
“I have made a proposal to the sporting directors and I know they will accept it. I was really happy that they were here today.”
“I wanted to create a role model like no other.”
Since Hayes announced in November that she would become coach of the U.S. women's team, she has been keen to talk to her players about the game rather than the end of her chapter at Chelsea.
However, in his final press conference after Sunday's game, Hayes reflected on his contribution to the game.
“I just wanted to create a role model that didn't exist before,” she said. “I just wanted to create an impossible profession.
“I get asked that question all the time: 'Would you have been a professional soccer player?' How could I have dreamed of that as a 10-year-old with no TV exposure?
“We've all been told 'no'. We've all been told it's not possible. We've all been told the boys come first. This is a men's game. It has been said.
“The last game at Old Trafford, we had a sold-out house at Wembley, England won the Euros, Arsenal filled the stadium every game.
“Women's soccer is going to explode. It's already exploded, but it's going to really explode in the next few years. And that was everything I wanted.”
