The USWNT‘s boat in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 is floating with ease. Following a statement 3-0 win over Zambia, the American ladies kept their heads up to thrash Germany 4-1. Though the 4x Olympians are playing away from home in France, they unexpectedly saw a hostile crowd in their previous clash. However, this is the least of Emma Hayes’ concerns as she and her team hardly ‘don’t worry about what’s happening outside.’

Ahead of facing Australia in the final group-stage fixture, a journalist asked Hayes in the pre-match interview if the unanimous supporters made things helpful for her team. Interestingly, the former Chelsea boss replied, “You’ll learn this about me, I don’t hear the crowd. I didn’t notice, to be honest with you, I didn’t notice that might have been felt by you but I actually thought there were more Americans in there.”

The crowd does play a massive role for players and coaches when in action. However, lucky for Hayes and Co. they barely get affected by boos, jeers, or aggression of supporters. “For us, when you’re on the pitch, you just stay inward of the pitch and don’t worry about what’s happening outside. The team dealt with that really, really well,” concluded Hayes.

It’s indeed a good approach from Hayes that she never notices what’s going on in the stands. Even the players too ignored the hostility of the supporters and remained focused on clinching a remarkable win over the Germans. Before halftime, Team USA was already leading 3-1, with Sophia Smith scoring twice and Mallory Swanson netting her third goal of the tournament before Giulia Gwinn opened the account for Germany.

Later, Lynn Williams came off the bench to replace Smith and added another goal, making the final score 4-1. Regardless, while the hostile crowd is the least of Hayes’ concerns, there’s something that currently troubles the English tactician.

Emma Hayes shares the biggest ‘concern’ despite USWNT making to the Olympics quarterfinals

Emma Hayes mentioned that she is careful to prevent her team from becoming complacent after significant victories as they aren’t here to entertain fans. Rather, she expressed her worry about how strenuous it is for players to recover after such intense matches.

“We’re not here to wow everyone for a game and not do it again. We have to build the momentum. First of all, recovering from this type of game — you can imagine the adrenaline — that’s probably my biggest concern now,” said the former Blues boss.

Going high in a tightly packed Olympics schedule has its own negatives as it mostly leaves a hangover on a team. She acknowledged that for the Australia match, Team USA has just a day and a half to recover and prepare simultaneously. Such a timeline is risky, especially for players who give their all on the pitch and easily become injury-prone.

Already, they are missing Jaedyn Shaw and Tierna Davidson becomes the latest to get sidelined. Both will miss the final group stage match confirmed Hayes earlier.