Just a few months prior, there were questions about whether the USWNT could secure Olympic gold after their disappointing performance at last year’s World Cup. Nonetheless, under Emma Hayes‘ leadership, this team has undergone a remarkable transformation in just one tournament, positioning themselves as arguably the best team. While the USWNT’s success at the Olympics has undoubtedly elevated Hayes’ status, one USMNT legend cautions that this triumph could amount to little if not followed up correctly.

The USMNT legend in question here is none other than Alexi Lalas. Like many others, the former defender has been among those who have praised the ex-Chelsea boss following her Olympic victory. However, he asserts that despite this achievement, she still has not fulfilled her primary mission. In his Alexi Lalas State of the Union Podcast, he remarked, “Emma Hayes was hired not just to bring this team back to where it has been in the past and to improve the perception of this team, but ultimately to win the World Cup.”

Yes, the big goal is to win the World Cup and for Lalas, it is more important than anything. Giving Emma Hayes her flowers the 54-year-old added, “I’m not dismissing what happened this summer. For me, that’s great, and I’m happy, and it should be celebrated. It means that this team is heading in a much better direction.” But there is a big ‘but’ after this that Lalas believes is more important.

The USMNT legend remarked, “But ultimately if they bomb out in the World Cup, we have another failure like we saw in Australia and New Zealand. That for me supersedes everything, and that would completely wipe out what has just happened.”

We all remember the dismal experience of the Women’s World Cup 2023 when the USWNT was eliminated in the Round of 16. This is certainly an outcome no USWNT supporter wants to witness again—especially not Alexi Lalas. Expectations are undeniably high; however, Emma Hayes seems to already possess a ‘cocky’ attitude suited for handling this pressure.

Trinity Rodman reveals Emma Hayes’ bold mentality

Whenever a player from the USWNT discusses Emma Hayes, they only speak in glowing terms. This highlights the significant impact she has had on her players, even within such a short period. Recently, USWNT star Trinity Rodman shared an intriguing perspective on the 43-year-old that hasn’t been previously mentioned: her ‘cocky’ demeanor.

“The best way to describe Emma is like, she’s humbly cocky, in the weirdest way, and I mean that in the most positive way possible,” Rodman explained. She noted that before the Olympics, the USWNT boss was already convinced they’d secure victory. And hey, in the end, that’s exactly what happened. As fans, we can only hope that Emma Hayes in her mind has already decided that they are going to win the World Cup in Brazil. Now that would certainly be thrilling!

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.