It’s not a question of what, but a question of when. Finally, the time had arrived for both USWNT and Emma Hayes to cross paths in a record-breaking way. However, the circumstances were entirely different for both parties and everything was at stake for Emma Hayes, who left her familiar zone to take up the new challenge. However, in a surprising expression, the English coach recently admitted to finding the latest spell more ecstatic than her juggernaut with Chelsea.

Speaking to talkSPORT recently, Hayes was asked if the latest triumph ranked ‘highest’ in her list of accolades. She replied, ” I think it’s easy to say yes to that because this is the latest trophy lift. But I don’t want to take anything away from what I did at Chelsea because every one of those trophies was special and you know how dear that club is to me. So I don’t want to take anything away from them well,” without undermining her achievements and pleasant time at Chelsea.

With just more than two months in her hands and playing 6 quality teams in the space of 2 weeks, indeed became a spellbinding achievement by Hayes. On the other hand, the road was much tougher for Hayes in London, where she got her first title after three years of joining. Her scintillating spell started with FA Cup triumph in 2015 and continued until this year winning the 7th WSL title with the Blues. Pocketing 16 trophies with them, Hayes fulfilled her dream with the USWNT.

The recent criticism of USWNT after the World Cup may have challenged Hayes to take up the role. And that’s what the elites do. The London-born coach previously got the push from her late father, who wanted her to do the same. Moreover, with prior experience coaching in the States, Hayes may have understood that the team was just transitioning.

The secret behind the USWNT’s progress in just two months under Emma Hayes

It was an uncertain time for USWNT enthusiasts when Emma Hayes felt that winning gold wasn’t her priority at that point. Not achieving a major title in a quinquennium is not a regular occurrence in their history. Little did the people know that this strategy of reviving team spirit led to such a commanding performance in the Olympics. Many players testified how their new coach encouraged them to play to their strengths. The environment away from the games also boosted the team spirit.

Players even felt the training sessions were about team bonding and fun apart from performances. In addition, Hayes’ mantra to ‘build the relationships, build the trust, build a lightness’ was the big driving factor in her squad selection and winning as well. Nonetheless, the road is quite far. Winning Olympic gold is not something new to the USWNT, winning four more in the past.

While her successor Sonia Bompastor tries to continue her legacy at Chelsea, can Hayes become the most successful coach with the USWNT? We certainly feel so!