It’s always a great feeling when you embark on a new journey. But if another thing is coming to an end at the same time, then talk about carrying the baggage of mixed emotions. Emma Hayes saw herself in a similar situation. While accepting her first international job as the head coach of the USWNT, Hayes reiterated how ‘challenging‘ it was to say her goodbyes to Chelsea.

Well, we just can’t blame her, considering she had endured all the highs and lows with Chelsea for over 12 years. So one can call it Emma’s first break-up from something she considers the love of her life. “I didn’t realize how difficult it would be when I made the decision to move to the U.S at the end of the season,” Hayes began during her exclusive chat with Sky Sports at her old local pub in Camden, north London.

Living the American dream might have sounded flashy at first, but leaving behind a routine life turned out to be far tougher for Hayes than she had initially imagined. “It was challenging to manage everything. The expectations, the press… it took a toll on me. To get over the line with the backdrop of all those things, I felt I could leave with my head held high,” added the ex-WSL boss.

Then again, any end in life is inevitable. The 48-year-old knew that, no matter how hard it was to leave her life in London, it was the right time to move on. “I have moments when I reflect on my time there. Every time I come back to the same thing; I’m grateful for the opportunity, grateful to be in the job for so long. It was the right time for everyone to move on,” emphasized the English tactician.

The journey to cross the Atlantic Ocean might have been difficult for Hayes in all the ways but once she was able to do so, the USA manager managed to find a new lease on life—not forgetting her first love, of course. “Now I’m on the other side of it I’ve created a situation I can enjoy it as a fan. I know I’m a national team coach for USA but I’ll always love Chelsea,” concluded Emma.

That’s just how first loves are; no matter where you go, they always leave an indelible imprint on your memory. But what has it been like for Hayes now that she’s finally out there living the American dream? Certainly, it’s been difficult!

Emma Hayes talks about being a ‘grandparent’ at the USWNT!

Managing to uplift a heartbroken Stars and Stripes team following their 2023 World Cup exit within months of work, and guiding them to Olympic gold at the 2024 Paris Games in record time—sure, Hayes has done everything. But when it comes to the transition from domestic to international soccer, it sure has been difficult yet something she ‘enjoyed‘.

“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.

In contrast to club soccer, where coaches work with their team consistently throughout the season, the international stage involves intermittent gatherings with players, typically for friendly matches or a few months during major tournaments. The feeling is difficult but something she has been managing quite well. “It’s [a job] I’m really, really enjoying,” concluded Hayes.