Taking on the USWNT job might be the biggest metamorphosis in Emma Hayes’ illustrious career. Forget the drastic leap from the domestic to the international stage; after a successful 12 years at Chelsea, the English tactician had to start everything from scratch. Yet, despite the shift in scenery, Hayes didn’t change her winning ways. At least, Carla Ward thinks so, revealing how the new USA manager brought a unique ‘renewed energy’ within the team.

That too, all while maintaining her signature calm presence. Well, one can hear out Ward for a moment, who herself got a chance to work alongside the former Chelsea boss. For those unaware, Hayes had invited her ex-WSL rival manager to join her coaching staff in France. Hence, when asked if working alongside the 47-year-old was anything she’d ever seen, Carla succinctly replied, “No.”

“Emma has this air of calm about her and it was interesting because seeing her in France compared to the end of the season at Chelsea, she had a renewed energy about her and you could see that,” added Ward in her recent appearance in the Upfront podcast.

During Hayes’ Chelsea days, Ward was in charge of Aston Villa. Despite being rivals, they shared a remarkable friendship and deeply understood each other’s methods. So it’s no surprise that Carla could pinpoint this difference and offer even more praise for Emma. “She had this calm aura about her where there was a belief in everything they did.”

“I say it all the time. It’s why in my opinion she’s the best in the world, but there was never any doubt from moment one that they could go and win gold. You could see that she fed that into everyone; players, staff, everybody involved,” concluded Ward, admitting that Hayes’ positivity was contagious, even for her, while working as an assistant coach in Paris.

It’s no surprise that the USWNT players showed a winning mentality after the Olympics, just like their London-born manager. Well, consider it one of Hayes’ many standout qualities. However, who would have thought she would play a crucial role in helping Ward keep her job?

Here’s how Emma Hayes helped Carla Ward avoid losing her job

A few months ago, Carla Ward opened up about how she lost all confidence after Aston Villa Women’s crushing 6-0 home defeat to Chelsea. On the same day, Emma Hayes announced she would be stepping down as Chelsea’s manager at the end of the season. Ward, facing the worst defeat of her career, felt unsure about addressing the media and her team, fearing it could end her managerial career.

Fortunately, Hayes offered her some valuable advice. With no choice but to face the press, Ward took Hayes’ words to heart: “Go and be yourself, don’t listen to anything else.” The result you ask?

“I think that saved my job,” Ward admitted, explaining that in the post-match interview, she spoke honestly about how she truly felt. That moment—and another instance where Ward struggled as a WSL manager—might have turned out differently if not for Hayes’ support. Overall, she impress us. What about you? Share your thoughts in the comments.