When you’re the best, you choose the path of challenges. Emma Hayes’ recent success with the USWNT demonstrates how timely decisions create a legacy. But at what cost? The well-being of an entity is paramount, and sporting bodies are putting in efforts to change the situation in the ecosystem. While one does not have to compromise between success and well-being, is it a reality in the beautiful game?

Although Hayes crossed the line with an Olympic gold, she doesn’t think so, citing former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

In the latest interview with talkSport, the sensational USWNT manager hinted that her pay did not allow her to go on a vacation. “I don’t get paid what Jurgen Klopp gets paid for me to take a sabbatical year. So I have to pay the bills.”

Hayes expressed she was asked if any such plans crossed her mind, like Klopp. The Yanks coach has already played a part in a revolutionary move. Hayes became the first coach to benefit from the equal pay policy of US Soccer achieved through the spirited efforts of the players and other stakeholders.

She struck a record deal with the USWNT, earning a similar salary to former coach Gregg Berhalter becoming the highest-paid women’s coach. Neither party revealed the worth of her Chelsea contract, which she signed in 2021, but reports claimed it did not match the $1.6 million from US Soccer.

On the other hand, Klopp was earning nearly $26 million a year at Anfield. Although clubs compensate better than the national teams, the gender disparity in pay seems quite wide for various reasons. Nevertheless, despite pointing out the dissimilarity, Hayes clarified she had other ways to counter her Chelsea burnout.

Money is not a motivating factor for Emma Hayes

An Olympic gold within months of reaching the States shows the magnitude of grit the 47-year-old holds. Hayes had already clarified earlier that money isn’t her push, but it’s her passion.

She further stated, “But at the same time, I got to do the job that I dreamed about doing my whole life. And yes, a break would have been, I think, optimal, but sometimes the change is as good as a rest and I definitely felt that over the summer.” While the passion kept her going, a change in task and her dear ones made it much better.

It wasn’t a small period of success for Hayes. The Englishwoman had to build the club step by step, similar to Klopp, who had to revive the Reds who never won a Premier League after its establishment in 1992. Having to settle with third and second last on the league table in her first two seasons, she finished winning 16 trophies. This included a domestic treble in 2021 and also 5 consecutive WSL wins in the last five seasons.

Nonetheless, Hayes left a thought of how sporting organizations could take such initiatives. And with awareness coming in, the enthusiast can hope for a much deserved break in the near future.