The USWNT has a point to prove. Setting high standards in the last couple of decades has raised the expectations of fans to the brim. And now, one person who can keep up with them is Emma Hayes, the legendary manager who made Chelsea a force to be reckoned with. But the Englishwoman has a message of patience for fans as she leads her team in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Taking on one of the biggest responsibilities in soccer, her approach may be a bit new to the soccer enthusiasts in the country.

Hayes has played down on winning gold in the upcoming Olympics. Although she doesn’t count it off totally, the manager feels that there is something more important than winning. Speaking to BBC, Hayes reportedly said, “You spend so much time thinking that success is merely medals. For me, it’s so much more than that.” “It’s being in the position I’m in and having the privilege to lead again another fabulous football team. That’s a gold medal for me, but if I am to get any medal in this tournament for sure it will be an unbelievable summer,” relishing the moment.

The manager did not hesitate even an ounce to take up the job in the USA, despite her successful stint in London. Already emphasizing building trust and bonding between the unit, Emma feels that the team would need to take it step by step to achieve winning again. She acknowledged that winning is always the goal for the USA. However, it looks like the 47-year-old knows how hard it is to recapture the USWNT’s former glory days.

The Uphill Battle for Emma Hayes with USWNT at the Olympics

Emma herself won 7 league titles with Chelsea and 5 on the trot. But matching the most successful international team in women’s soccer, which has won four World Cups and 4 Olympic golds and has never dropped out of the top two in FIFA rankings until last year, is the ultimate challenge. Nevertheless, the Olympics will test her mettle. Firstly, the coach just has two months to build rapport with the team.

Additionally, the team has suffered a few injuries recently during the NWSL, adding to Hayes’ concern. Their star striker, Alex Morgan, hasn’t played recently after sustaining an ankle injury in April, along with defender Tierna Davidson, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury in April. However, in a positive for Hayes, Naomi Girma and Abby Dahlkemper are back on the pitch, with the defensive line keeping its strength. But whether Hayes will manage to steal a medal at the Olympics with this young squad has to be seen.