Alexi Lalas Says USWNT’s ‘Brand Has Been Damaged’, But Puts Confidence in Emma Hayes’ Ability

The USWNT will be starting a new chapter after appointing Emma Hayes as head coach. Following a poor World Cup exit, the four-time champions are keen to reclaim their throne at the top. While she hasn’t been in the USWNT dressing room yet, Alexi Lalas has weighed in by emphasizing the responsibility he believes Hayes carries is to ‘rejuvenate’ the image of the team.

Notably, even before officially joining the national camp, the team’s new manager has made history by becoming the highest-paid women’s coach. 

Alexi Lalas showcases confidence in Emma Hayes’ abilities with a vision 

Earlier, The Athletic writer Meg Linehan shared a picture of the first friendly game between the USA and China. Linehan also expressed her concern that the attendance would be lower. This caught the eye of USMNT icon Alexi Lalas, who retweeted the post by claiming that Emma Hayes has a responsibility on her shoulders to pull back the lost American crowd and make them care about the team. “It’s also a great opportunity to create something new, different, and special…maybe even better,” he wrote. 

But he got slammed by a netizen who claimed that it’s not Hayes’ job to take up the team’s PR job. Additionally, the netizen urged him not to bring down the team with his negative remarks. This again led the USMNT icon to respond. He wrote, “Of course it’s Emma Hayes’ job to rejuvenate the image of the #USWNT”.

“I’m actually really excited/confident in her ability to do so. Up to her how she does it…winning helps. But my job is not to cheerlead or promote, and it’s impossible to deny that the brand has been damaged.” 

Lalas defended his earlier statement while claiming that even he wanted the best for the team. He also expresses his faith that Emma Hayes is the one to bring the glory days back. Remarkably, things seem to improve for the USWNT, as they recently clinched an emphatic victory. 

An easy victory for the USWNT against China 

Just hours ago, the USWNT played a friendly game against China. Interestingly, under the leadership of interim coach Twila Kilgore, the ladies managed to clinch a decisive 3-0 victory. Sophia Smith broke the deadlock in just eight minutes, and Lindsey Horan and Trinity Rodman, who assisted the first two goals, sealed the deal in the second half. 

READ MORE: USWNT Boss Emma Hayes Made Mauricio Pochettino ‘Wait’ for Sir Alex Ferguson – “I Was Torn”

The challenge hasn’t ended, as they will be playing another friendly match against China on Wednesday. Captained by Lindsey Horan, the USWNT will be looking to win that one as well. How do you envisage Emma Hayes’ tenure at the USWMT? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY- American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams