Everyone knows the USWNT has unfinished business at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. After a tough exit in the 2023 edition, the American team has already set its sights on making things right in the 2027 tournament. And what better way to start preparing than by “instilling mentality”? Fortunately, this is one of the first principles in Emma Hayes‘ coaching playbook.

Some might argue that there are still over three years until the prestigious tournament kicks off, especially since the American team has already rebounded successfully from their previous heartbreak by winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then again, success hinges on learning from past experiences—an area where Hayes excels. Be it title races, finals, or high-stakes rivalries, the English tactician has a proven track record of prevailing. So any plans on how she’ll proceed with the USA?

“It starts with the leader,” began Hayes during an exclusive chat with The Times. “You’ve got to show it yourself. I’ve been through my own training of how to endure and suffer in different ways. I teach the players to notice themselves. What they look like.” Well, to address moments of pressure, Hayes encourages players to reflect by asking themselves what behaviors they exhibit in such situations.

Interestingly enough, she notices that many recognize habits like pointing fingers or throwing their hands in frustration. Hence, the 48-year-old teaches them to “understand what they do when they’re stressed and what it looks like to their teammates.”

“I’ll call it out, wait for an overload situation where someone has lost it with a referee and say, ‘This might be a friendly game but the world is watching. When we reach the World Cup final [opponents] are going to say we can get at you,’” explained Hayes by citing an example. “It’s about instilling mentality. I will train it and train it and train it, to teach them to understand what weak brains look like in football.”

Solid plan!

This is enough to showcase that Hayes has everything sorted out on how she will be preparing the Stars and Stripes ft. ladies for their big moment during the 2027 edition. Though it may seem an easy task for someone like Hayes, one shouldn’t forget how hard she has been working on her own stresses due to coaching biases.

Emma Hayes explains how leadership can be lonely, forcing her to hire an executive coach!

Shocking as it may sound, Emma Hayes hired an executive coach for herself prior to the Olympics. The former Chelsea manager worked alongside Fiona Roberts, a mindset expert with experience at Lane4—the performance company instrumental in reshaping the culture of England’s men’s team under Gareth Southgate.

Roberts’ involvement was undoubtedly a significant asset for Hayes. “Without that support I wouldn’t have got it done,” said the 48-year-old. “Leadership can be lonely and there can be inherent biases in your own coaching team so it was great to have an outsider who could reflect on my behaviors, then get me to reframe things”

Be it getting help over roster selection, building relationships with players, or regarding her own behavior; Hayes got all the necessary help from Fiona Roberts. Hearing all such things makes us wonder what kind of mentality the USWNT is going to exhibit in the 2027 World Cup. Of course, anything but a strong one!