“Freedom helped us to gel quickly and be successful,” remarked USWNT defender Naomi Girma after their Paris Olympic triumph. Letting players just be themselves on the pitch was perhaps the unique factor that Emma Hayes introduced to this group. The former Chelsea boss, however, isn’t the pioneer in emphasizing this aspect. Ali Krieger recently drew parallels between Hayes and Gotham FC boss Juan Carlos Amorós, who also brought a tinch of ‘human element’ to the game.

Allowing players to express themselves undoubtedly did wonders for the Star and Stripes ft. ladies. However, the team’s recent display in France also sent Krieger into nostalgia, who remembered having learned this coaching style. “It reminds me of Juan Carlos Amorós, who was my coach last year for Gotham, where you have this human element to every single player,” said the former US international while speaking on ESPN FC.

“First and foremost, you’re a human being and then you’re a player. That is really what separates a good coach from a great coach. You have to have an understanding of what is going to get the best out of every individual player because you can’t treat everyone the same.” The USWNT was fortunate to have someone like Hayes, who focuses on having fun and taking the time to understand each player on a personal level.

“She’s kind of instilled this calmness, this patience and she’s also has a good understanding of who the players are as individuals and human beings to be able to connect with them on a level that maybe we haven’t seen in the past,” added Kreiger, praising the 47-year-old tactician for being open with the team on all levels.

The former Gotham defender also insisted that honesty and comfort are the key characteristics every single player wants from a coach—traits naturally instilled within Hayes. Notably, this is not the first time Kreiger has praised the ex-Blues boss’s easy-going nature. “Day in and day out, I think she created an environment where people could just take a breath and feel comfortable being themselves. Not only as a human being but also as a player on the field,” she said in the previous segment.

That also empowered the team to give their all throughout the Summer Games. Besides that, the player’s testaments were enough to suggest the radical change that Hayes brought into the locker room.

Beyond Olympics triumph, Emma Hayes changed the “vibe” of the USWNT

The American ladies were down in the dumps over the 2023 World Cup exit. However, Emma Hayes came and steered them to the happy town. This has not only reinstilled positivity among the players but also refurbished their confidence in winning anything. “I really do believe this Olympics was just a start for us,” said Sophia Smith in an interview earlier.

“Having Emma come in and just bring who she is, her energy, and just her vibe I think completely changed the whole vibe of the team and put us into a good position,” added the Portland Thorns forward, who notched 3 goals and 2 assists in the Summer Games. Enjoying the game was the only thing that all players liked the most.

Surely, Emma Hayes is no less than a messiah of the US Women’s National Team. The team clearly has regained their spot at the top, as now they dream of greatness. Onwards and upwards only!