Megan Rapinoe Says ‘No Shade’ on Emma Hayes For Leaving USWNT Without a Head Coach & Staying at Chelsea During Gold Cup

Recently retired two-time World Champion Megan Rapinoe is immensely proud of the USWNT that won the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Rapinoe adulated her compatriots for overcoming the vitriol in the Gold Cup after their devastating loss against Mexico. The 38-year-old is even impressed with the USWNT because they won the tournament without a head coach. USWNT depended on interim coach Twila Kilgore’s service because to-be manager Emma Hayes has a contractual obligation with the Chelsea women’s team that runs till the end of this season. Anyhow, Rapinoe did not blame Hayes for her absence.

Nonetheless, the two-time World Champion seemed worried about Hayes not chancing to coach the USWNT before the coveted 2024 Olympics.

Megan Rapinoe details Emma Hayes missing out on USWNT action!

During her recent appearance on ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast, Megan Rapinoe was asked how she feels watching the USWNT from the outside. Rapinoe retired from the USWNT in September last year. “I’m extremely impressed with the group because they’re being put in a really difficult situation, and this is like no shade on Emma, and this is no shade on Twila. If there’s any shade as always, it’s pointed at US soccer with me. Just kidding guys, we’re in a better relationship now,” said Megan Rapinoe.

The 38-year-old that she completely understood Emma Hayes’ obligations to Chelsea. She said, “Emma has her commitment with Chelsea, and I totally respect that. She didn’t want to or couldn’t leave that early, and you know we have to have an interim coach, and Twila stepping in and doing the best she can. But the players don’t have a head coach right now.” Thereafter, Rapinoe asserted Hayes will have to navigate a series of challenges with the USWNT as they lace up for the Paris Olympics.

Huge transitions with the USWNT before the Olympics

Though the USWNT announced Emma Hayes as its head coach last year, she insisted she will take over only in May this year. Hayes’ Women’s Super League season with Chelsea ends only on May 18. Meanwhile, the Olympics in Paris will start in July. Referring to this minute two-month gap, Rapinoe stated that the USWNT will go through a massive transition. “Sure you’re losing big names, big players, and big personalities,” Rapinoe said. However, she assumes that Hayes has the needed influence on the USWNT squad, which would help her navigate these adversities.

READ MORE: Lack of Women in Women’s Soccer is a ‘Major Problem’: Chelsea’s Emma Hayes on WSL

Hence, Rapinoe once again congratulated the US team’s young stars, who catapulted its W Gold Cup triumph. The veteran even said the contemporary youngsters did better than her when she was young. Anyhow, from syncing with Hayes’ coaching style to chasing an Olympic Gold, US youngsters have a lot more to prove as they go ahead.

READ MORE: Seattle Reign Retire Megan Rapinoe’s Jersey No. 15