An Olympic medal with two months of preparation is nothing less than immaculate. Emma Hayes‘ ability to motivate and bring the best out of her players can be her biggest asset. But doing it tirelessly and with such dominance sets her apart from many others. After proving it in club soccer with Chelsea, she has now reached internationals and there is a lot more to achieve with the 2027 World Cup. However, while she fights for equality in the beautiful game, a former rival and a friend of the coach give her take on Hayes’ ability to lead a men’s team.

Carla Ward, former Aston Villa manager, feels that the uniqueness of Hayes makes her able. ” Yes! I think there’s a few that could,” she stated on talkSPORT when asked if Hayes could take up leading men in the future.

She further stated, “But she’s right I think that until a football club goes down that route or really takes a risk and takes a chance, who’s going to be the first?” further defending Hayes on her opinion that the teams should initiate a culture to take more women as men’s team coaches.

Nonetheless, Emma Hayes may go for it in the future, but she stated it was the general problem she addressed, not her interest in taking it up. If desired, the USWNT manager could have landed at AFC Wimbledon in 2021, which she rejected considering it to be in a lower-tier club. Yet, no women managers in top-flight European men’s league have left her bewildered.

Moreover, the 47-year-old stated that the higher-ups in the club were a hurdle to the players who would not have a problem being led by women. Meanwhile, the issue is now noted with several pundits calling out the men’s system and encouraging them to go for women’s managers.

Pundits back Emma Hayes’ voice to encourage women managers in sport

Emma Hayes claimed that the men’s team would have hired women managers by now if they wanted to. But, despite disagreeing with her former World Cup winner, Frank LeBoeuf pushed the point that players would do well under them. LeBoeuf also urged the London-born to be optimistic, citing the USA as the country, where it is most likely to happen.

Significantly, Hayes is well-equipped, and there’s no reason for her not to guide a group of men. Late last year even English women’s manager Sarina Wiegman stated, “I think it will happen, I’m not sure how long it will take but I think it would be good,” revealing her optimism.

Nevertheless, very little progress has been seen over the years. After Helena Costa and Corinne Diacre led Clermont Foot, Hannah Dingley took charge of Forest Green Rovers men’s academy last year. Therefore, efforts are now being taken by Emma Hayes and soccer lovers to bring more awareness about the disparity.

Whether we will see more managers shortly will depend on the team’s ability to initiate hiring women.