To this day, Emma Hayes‘ decision to leave Alex Morgan off the Paris Olympics roster remains in the gray area. Despite many hoping to see the USWNT icon play in her final tournament—especially after the heartbreak she endured in the 2023 World Cup—the English tactician did the unthinkable and didn’t get Morgan a ticket to France. For American legend Leslie Osborne, that constitutes an act of ‘bravery.’

But this is just a glimpse of what else the former holding midfielder found intriguing about the ex-WSL manager. “Super impressed with Emma. What she has done has truly been amazing,” began the Bay FC owner on the latest episode of Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union podcast. Reminiscing about the time Hayes had signed for US Soccer, Osborne praised the 48-year-old for rowing two boats at once by overlooking USWNT’s roster selection with Twila Kilgore whilst completing her final journey with Chelsea.

Then, eventually taking over the Stars and Stripes just two camps before the Olympics is something that Osborne found ‘insane,‘ before highlighting another gutsy decision of Hayes. “I think it takes bravery, leaving Alex Morgan off the roster, to be able to manage big personalities and veterans on the team, bringing young players on the team,” added the former Chicago Red Star midfielder.

You bet it’s a courageous call. What if things had gone south for the American ladies in the Summer Games? Surely, the last thing Hayes would have wanted was to hear the media and fans slam her decision not to take Morgan. Hence, it only makes it obvious for Osborne to give special commendation for trusting herself and the process—a quality that she loves in Hayes.

“What I always remember about Emma is she always cares about her players so much. She spent so much time getting to know them and building the foundation so that she can have that trust,” admitted Leslie, stressing how crucial it is for this young team to rely upon each other, considering the transition they’re going through. “For her to do what she did at the Olympics is absolutely incredible,” concluded Osborne.

Looks like the former US star is truly in awe of the wave that Hayes has brought to the WNT. In fact, Osborne claims things are bound to go upwards and onwards at this stage for the 4x World Cup winners.

Emma Hayes and the USWNT are in the ‘best position possible’

Ahead of the November window that sees the USWNT face England and the Netherlands, Leslie Osborne admitted that Emma Hayes has the opportunity to leverage their recent gold medal win in France, insisting that it gives them an upper hand over both of these European giants. “Now, she is in the best position possible,” exclaimed Osborne.

The 41-year-old also praised Hayes’ decision to leave a few veterans and the most crucial trio, the Triple Espresso for these friendly games, allowing the younger players to shine and prove themselves in front of 80000 people at Wembley and later at Bingoal Stadium. “That’s an ideal situation for Hayes,” concluded Leslie in the same podcast.

Good to see another key name like Leslie Osborne joining the Emma Hayes fan club.