Shortly after USWNT won the gold at the Paris Olympics, Emma Hayes got a stark reminder. The English manager earlier revealed that one of her players said, ‘It’s all downhill from here.’ While she hoped it wouldn’t come true, the former Chelsea boss understood the gravity to remain grounded even after such a triumph. But what if we tell you there’s a completely different and gut-busting side of the story behind Hayes getting a reality check? Well, Emily Sonnett has some cards to put on the table.

In the latest episode of Sam-Mewis-hosted The Women’s Game, Sonnett and Rose Lavelle were called up to have a lengthy chat about their Olympics glory. Towards the end, Mewis asked the USWNT duo if Hayes had given any final words after winning the gold. Interestingly, Lavelle jokingly pointed out that it was Sonnett who warned Hayes about things going downhill.

But in reality, that’s not what the Gotham FC star meant to say. “I said ‘You started too strong’ and she [Hayes] laughed,” Sonnett revealed. “Then to the rest of the team, she [Hayes] goes and [says] like, ‘Sonet just told me it’s downhill from here.’ And I was like, ‘That’s not what I said.'” The whole room was in tears after this revelation. “But it was hilarious!” concluded the 30-year-old.

What Sonnett meant to say to Hayes was merely praise, that the former Blues boss started her international career on quite a decisive note. Yet, jokingly or seriously, Emma duly noted Emily’s remarks and forwarded this stark reminder to her fellow teammates. We reckon Hayes must be laughing as well after hearing this.

Nevertheless, in seriousness, USWNT should actually buckle up even if they are coming off a remarkable victory. Not to mention they have set their sights on the next big thing!

Next stop, the 2027 World Cup!

Making a statement in the next World Cup would be extraordinary for someone like Emma Hayes, who has already achieved incredible success by winning gold. “We are so looking forward to the things we can do together,” said the Team US manager after their Paris victory. “We have a gold medal [now], but it doesn’t mean it ends there,” she emphasized, signaling that the team has ambitions beyond this triumph.

As the USWNT shifts its focus to the next major challenge, the 2027 World Cup is the clear goal ahead. Even the players share this vision, with defender Tierna Davidson expressing a similar sentiment earlier. She believes the American team’s potential is “limitless” under Hayes’ guidance. The Gotham FC star pointed out that the USWNT has all the “tools” necessary to succeed in the next big tournament.

With a leader like Hayes in charge, staying motivated is effortless. “I think this [gold] is just the start for us,” mentioned Sophia Smith, who has set her sights on greater things. The Portland Thorns star also remarked that the USWNT has finally found its “footing and a lot of that is credit to Emma.” Either way, let’s see things unfold for them in the World Cup.