When Emma Hayes left Chelsea to become the USWNT manager, former player Ali Krieger said, “I don’t think [Hayes] is going to take any sh*t from the players. She’ll be like, ‘Listen, you gotta prove yourself day in and day out, and if you don’t, I’ll just choose the next person that can.’” So, as the 47-year-old kickstarted the changing of the guard by leaving Alex Morgan out of the Olympic roster, did this mean that the striker didn’t prove herself? Well, not really.

The last time the USWNT played a major tournament without Alex Morgan was at the 2008 Olympics. That was 16 years ago. For almost a decade and a half, Morgan has been an indispensable part of the team. But one of Hayes’ first decisions in charge was to leave her out of the roster. Although the new manager explained why she chose the squad she did on June 26, Hayes finally spoke specifically about Morgan.

On July 9, Emma Hayes joined Sam Mewis on The Women’s Game podcast. Mewis asked, “Was versatility and tactical flexibility a big component in choosing this roster?” Hayes responded, “Look, you have to be tactically flexible to be successful at the highest level… flexibility is what happens in a game. For me, the starting point is I look at the opponent, look at our playing style and principles, then what tweaks I would make to exploit that opponent.” Evidently, it’s tough to finalize a roster, and as a result, it calls for making tough decisions as well – like leaving Morgan out.

When asked about this, Emma Hayes explained, “Of course, having a balance between experience and less experience is one that I knew I’d be faced with. As I’ve mentioned publicly before, the cap accumulation down our roster is too low. We need to start giving exposure and experiences to players that might have been in and around,” suggesting the need for the other players to get an opportunity to play on the big stages. The 47-year-old added, “Of course, it helps when players can be a little more versatile, but it’s not the sole decision.”

Addressing the question about Morgan, the manager said, “I think when it comes to Alex, first of all, there’s no easy way to give someone cr*p news… It’s not an easy job, it’s not easy decisions. Someone’s got to make them. I make them, and I’ve learned over the years not to have too many influences in the wrong direction. And, hopefully, [I] do the best by the players when I’m asked.” Hayes has already clarified the culture she wants to bring to the team.

It appears that Hayes is preparing the way for USWNT’s next generation, which may be why Morgan was left out. She said as much after the team was announced. “It’s a balanced roster. I’ve considered all the factors that we’re gonna need throughout the Olympics, and [it’s] one that I’m really happy with.” However, Alex Morgan wasn’t as happy.

In a post on X, the striker wrote, “Today, I’m disappointed about not having the opportunity to represent our country on the Olympic stage. This will always be a tournament that is close to my heart and I take immense pride any time I put on the crest.” But she couldn’t help but show her support for the USWNT heading to Paris. “In less than a month, I look forward to supporting this team and cheering them on alongside the rest of our country.”

Earlier this year, just as Emma Hayes mentioned on the podcast, the former Chelsea manager emphasized how success depends on the team members getting caps. She claimed that many did not have even 30 games for the US, a gap that she wants to fill through this approach. But will it work?

Intriguing challenge for Emma Hayes with a young USWNT

It’s quite iconic for Emma Hayes to start her spell with the USWNT at the Paris Olympics. The team is coming on the back of SheBelieves Cup and W Gold Cup titles this year. But their disappointing performance in the last World Cup will probably lead to increased pressure from fans. Moreover, the absence of players like Megan Rapinoe and Morgan in a major tournament like this could make the team nervous but more determined.

That said, Emma Hayes isn’t too focused on the past. She said, “I’m not looking backward. We have to look forward with a group of players that have put that World Cup behind them. And we’re very much looking forward to sort of building on the work, you know, post-the World Cup,” adding, “For us, this is an opportunity to show those learnings will take us much further than it did last time, but there is no guarantee in anything in life.”

As for Alex Morgan, this is the first time she will miss the Olympics since 2008. She played a key role when the Stars and Stripes won Gold in 2012, scoring an extra-time winner against Canada in the semifinals. With 6 goals in 3 editions, the striker has already etched her name as one of the greats and will be missed at the Paris Olympic Games.