One has to give it to Emma Hayes. Though the US Women’s National Team had announced her as the new head coach in November 2023, the English tactician couldn’t join until mid-May, as she was committed to completing her final season with Chelsea. The moment her tenure with the Blues ended, despite having little time to adjust to the domestic-to-international transition, Hayes has ‘thoroughly enjoyed every minute so far.’

Well, hear this out; After securing her seventh WSL title with Chelsea Women on Saturday, May 18, with a commanding 6-0 victory over Manchester United Women, the 48-year-old barely had a moment to breathe or rest. Instead, she hosted a surprise birthday party for her little boy before flying to the United States on Tuesday, May 21, to embark on her American dream.

“Well, I had to go home and do Harry’s sixth birthday party for 40 people on Sunday, packed on Monday and then I left for New York on Tuesday,” shared Hayes during her exclusive chat with Sky Sports, talking about how hectic things become the post-Saturday night celebrations with the Blue stars.

Even so, it’s these moments that truly matter, as Hayes knew that the challenges in her next role would bring far less pressure compared to what she was leaving behind. Coaching a national team might have sounded like a demanding job to many but the former WSL manager knew its pressure was nothing compared to what she had to face with her domestic side each day.

“I felt a new lease of life, I felt relief not having that pressure anymore. I had new pressure but one that just felt exciting; new cities, new people, new players. Yes, it’s been a whirlwind but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute so far,” said Hayes, explaining how things have positively impacted her since she came to the States and to live the American dream.

Indeed, it’s good to see Hayes emitting such optimism over her new and first-ever international job. But don’t think it has been nothing but an easy ride for the London-born manager; there are some drawbacks that she has managed to find!

Emma Hayes talks about a ‘different’ atmosphere from Chelsea compared to coaching the USWNT!

Within months of taking charge, Hayes revived a dispirited Stars and Stripes squad following their 2023 World Cup exit and led them to Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games in record time. While her achievements speak volumes, the shift from domestic to international soccer has been both challenging and rewarding.

“Coaching internationally is like being a grandparent, where you get them for ten days and you get to enjoy the qualities of the players, and then you send them back to their parent club. You have a different relationship as a result of that,” explained Hayes in another interview.

Unlike club soccer, where coaches spend a full season working closely with their team, the international stage demands adapting to sporadic training camps and limited match windows, primarily for friendlies or major tournaments. Despite the difficulties, the new boss has been navigating the transition with remarkable success. For Hayes, It’s a job she is “really, really enjoying.”