From “I have to go through a weird moment” to “I’ll just stay in silence for both” and finally settling on “I’m very proud to represent both,” Emma Hayes perfectly captured the tug-of-war between loyalty and profession during England vs USWNT clash. The former Chelsea boss made it through the biggest ethical conundrum and did sing, or at the very least hummed her nation’s anthem, especially without the idea of making it seem like a nationalist brawl.

Funny story: as soon as the home nation’s national anthem began, Naomi Girma and Lynn Williams were constantly looking at Hayes, making the English tactician break her composure and struggle to hide her laughing face and also ‘mouthing‘ her national anthem. Then again, at the end of the game, something made her realize that even though she is a London-born managing the US, the 48-year-old neutralized the situation.

“I’m proud to be English,” admitted Hayes in the post-match presser as the No. 2 and No. 1 FIFA World-ranked sides played a stalemate. “I’m proud of our national anthem, and I was proud to like I’ve sung it since I was a kid,” she added, before heaping praise on the Stars and Stripes. “I’m also really proud to coach America, and I’m really proud of their national anthem.”

They say, why have only one when you can have two? It seems Emma Hayes is embracing this sentiment in her own way, finding happiness by rallying for both nations—showing patriotism for her home country and fulfilling her duty to the US Women’s National Team, also enjoying the national anthems as well.

“Two things are possible all at once and I’m not going to sort of run away…fuel a nationalist debate around it. The reality is both countries are really dear to me for lots of reasons and I’m very proud to represent both of them,” she added. 

Interesting. An English-American coach suits Hayes best, as, for her, both England and the USA hold significant importance. It’s almost as if her roots may be traced from Camden, but she is properly embraced by the States.

Emma Hayes calls herself an ‘adopted American’

It’s not like Hayes’ connection with the US has begun with her newly begun managerial journey. In the past, she has spent quite of her days in the USA’s domestic coaching scene. “I’m an adopted American, and while I’m in charge of this country, I know I’ll give everything for the badge because that’s how I work.”

Making a return to the States as their national team coach was something that made her realize she was one of their own, while also feeling English during the process. “I can still love my country and love working for the US all at once,” she added in an interview earlier. No wonder Emma acknowledged that she vibed on both countries’ national anthems.

Though it was a friendly, we’d let this slide, but imagine if it’s a World Cup stage where both sides were on a crucial. Then we’d surely like to see how Hayes handles this one!