Emma Hayes snubbing Alex Morgan from the USWNT’s Olympic squad arguably had a domino effect on the US striker’s retirement, earlier this month. Besides, coach Hayes had faced flak from all sides when she fielded a relatively inexperienced squad and left Morgan out. However, what happened at the Olympics is history. The passing of the guard has culminated in the US camp, as Hayes and this bunch of youngsters did what the USWNT couldn’t do for the last 12 years- win an Olympic gold.
Having played under Emma Hayes in Chelsea for four seasons, English legend Katie Chapman is quite aware that her squad decisions are that of a visionary. Chapman is eager to reunite with Hayes in the Wembley stadium, as the USA plays the England WNT in a friendly in November. Speaking of the reunion, Chapman commended Hayes’ USWNT stint, especially her act of bringing a young team together, while not having “big names.”
“I think with the US team, she took on a young squad. She left some big names out of the squad [at the Olympics]. She’s good tactically, she knows what she’s doing,” said the former Lionesses star Katie Chapman, as compiled by the Ealing Times. Chapman added, “If she can relate and get the players on the right page and buying into what she’s doing, she’s got the job done.”
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via Getty
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 11: Emma Hayes of the United States talks on an NBC set during media interviews at the Musée de l’Homme on August 11, 2024 in Paris , France. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images).
Polls of the day
Poll 1 of 22
Do you agree with Emma Hayes' bold decision regarding Alex Morgan?
Absolutely
Not at all
Mixed feelings
Need more context
Do you think club football is putting too much strain on players like Trinity Rodman?
Absolutely
No, it's part of the game
Maybe, but they should manage it better
Not sure
Whats your Perspective on:
Have an interesting take?
Do you think the KC Current can dominate the NWSL playoffs like the USWNT?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe, if they keep up the momentum
Only if they avoid injuries
How do you feel about Trinity Rodman's injury update?
Relieved
Worried
Angry
Hopeful
Do you think Georgina Rodriguez's Netflix docuseries "I Am Georgina" is worth watching?
Absolutely
Not at all
Maybe, if I'm bored
Only for Cristiano Ronaldo
Will Manchester City struggle without Kevin De Bruyne in the EFL Cup opener?
Yes
No
Maybe
Not sure
Who do you think is the better coach for Chelsea?
Sonia Bompastor
Emma Hayes
Both are equally good
Neither
Why do you think Raphael Varane retired after just one game for Como?
Injury concerns
Lack of motivation
Personal reasons
Disagreement with management
Do you think Mauricio Pochettino made the right choice by snubbing Lionel Messi's Inter Miami?
Absolutely
No way
Time will tell
Who cares?
Do you think hiring Emma Hayes and Mauricio Pochettino will significantly improve US Soccer?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not at all
It's too early to tell
Do you think Emma Hayes is ready to coach a men's team?
Absolutely
Not yet
She needs more experience
Men's game is different
Who should be the USWNT's first-choice goalkeeper?
Casey Murphy
Alyssa Naeher
Both should get equal chances
Neither, bring in new talent
Do you think Wrexham will bounce back stronger after their narrow defeat?
Absolutely
No way
Maybe
Only if they make changes
How do you feel about Rodri's desperate search for a second opinion on his injury?
Frustrated
Sympathetic
Indifferent
Angry
Who will be the key player for Manchester City against Watford?
Erling Haaland
Phil Foden
Julian Alvarez
Jack Grealish
Who do you think had the most epic vacation encounter?
Mondo Duplantis
Karsten Warholm
Soccer Legend
Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo's absence will cost Al Nassr the King Cup of Champions?
Absolutely
Not at all
Maybe
Depends on the team's performance
Do you think Emma Hayes can revive the career of this USWNT star?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not a chance
Who cares?
Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo should play a friendly against his former club?
Absolutely
No way
Only if it's for charity
Depends on the timing
Do you think Casey Murphy's European experience will give her an edge in the NWSL?
Absolutely
Maybe
Not at all
Time will tell
Do you think Christian Pulisic's frustration is justified?
Absolutely
Not at all
Partially
Undecided
Indeed, Alex Morgan’s Olympic snub was a sad storyline for hardcore USWNT fans. But it is what it is. As Chapman said, Emma Hayes got the job done at the Paris Summer Games. Meanwhile, it must also be noted that the former Chelsea and Lionesses star is not the only one to see the good in Hayes’ decision to snub Morgan.
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A soccer analyst claimed that Emma Hayes’ Morgan snub helped the US front three excel
What happened with the USWNT’s front three at the Olympics is history. They inspired those people who frowned on Morgan’s snub to say ‘no Morgan no problem.’ Under Emma Hayes’ watch, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson struck a whopping 10 goals at the Summer Games and led the US to the Olympic crown after 12 years. Colombian footballer and ESPN analyst Sebastian Salazar once credited Hayes for unlocking the US trio’s potential by leaving out the two-time World Champion.
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“She [Hayes] made the big decision to leave Alex Morgan at home and I got to think that that played a big part in this front three, feeling like they could be themselves. And truly take over this team and then ultimately take over this tournament,” Salazar said in an ESPN FC episode last month.
Do you think like Chapman and Salazar that Hayes was right to exclude the San Diego Wave legend from the US side? Tell us in the comments.
