It’s never easy to wake up one day, pack your bags, and step away from the comfort of your home to face a new challenge in a foreign land. That’s what it was like for Emma Hayes who left Stamford Bridge after 12 years of service and countless laureates to her name. While she’s had a great start in life with the USWNT, the former Chelsea boss reveals that the transition to the International job was anything but smooth. 

Emma Hayes left the Chelsea side which won 7 FA Women’s Super League titles under her tenure with 5 in a row between the 2019/20 – 2023/24 season. Having jumped across the pond, she already has won Gold with the UWSNT at the Paris Olympics but the Blues were still fresh in her mind. Speaking at the latest episode of ‘It’s Called Soccer’, Hayes revealed the reality of the new job. 

“I was trying to process 12 years at Chelsea, so the Olympics felt like a bit of a free shot for me, I was like I am not doing the same day-to-day anymore, I feel like I am on an adventure,” said Hayes. While most of us may never relate to managing a Premier League club, we can understand the pressure of playing week in, week out, managing players, overseeing training sessions, coming up with tactics, etc. can take a significant toll on anyone. 

“I think it’s unique going from a league season to a major International tournament, in 6 weeks,   I don’t wish it (to) anyone, I won’t lie, it’s actually killed me the last six months, it’s absolutely killed me, I was absolutely exhausted,” said Hayes, who had less than 2 months to prepare for the Olympics. The limited time wasn’t a setback as her side remained undefeated through the campaign. 

The USWNT have won 12 of their 13 games under the English manager, with no loss yet. Now Hayes is set for a return to Wembley, where she will face Sarina Wiegman’s England side and other familiar faces. The venue is familiar ground for her, having hosted many of the trophies, but this time, she has set her sights on something bigger. 

2027 World Cup: The Next Goal

At a press (pub) conference ahead of the match at Wembley, Hayes revealed that her ultimate goal is to win the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Looking back at her two-decade-long career, where she’s secured trophies at every club she’s managed, the scales do tip in her favor and this time the gaffer will have plenty of time to prepare. 

Hayes will be taking plenty of shots of triple espresso which were vital in winning Olympic Gold. With the likes of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson ‘brewing’ up their attack, former USWNT player and soccer legend, Mia Hamm believes one of them will bring the Ballon d’Or home. For now, Emma Hayes’ side will focus on preparing for the SheBelives Cup once the international friendlies conclude.