With one swoosh of Emma Hayes’ magic wand, the USWNT won the Olympic gold medal in Paris. What’s more impressive is the coach’s ability to rule with an iron fist but with compassion, a satisfactory blend of managing human emotions by not compromising tactical knowledge for the players.

Let’s say, it’s the perfect mixture Mauricio Pochettino could adopt to the USMNT. The players are contented and one in particular, Naomi Girma, spoke about how the team will continue to grow.

Ahead of the Olympic victory tour against Iceland (two matches) and Argentina, Emma Hayes and Co. will showcase what the team has in store for the next couple of years. Probably the three-year dress rehearsal commences now. It’s no surprise the dominating mojo of the USWNT returns to the team and Girma remains excited at the prospect.

Meanwhile, according to Front Row Soccer, Emma Hayes stated, “We’ve done a review of the Olympics as quite an extensive, comprehensive report in and around. Not just everybody’s experience at the Olympics, but most importantly, where the missing gaps are.” Girma, in the meantime, addressed the situation perfectly about Hayes’ thirst for unparalleled success.

In an interview on the Attacking Third, Girma mentioned, “I think it’s an exciting time for us to continue to evolve, continue to develop. I think, you know, we said it like throughout the Olympics, just like each game we kept growing and I think the more time we have together, the better it is.” 

Naturally, when a coach takes over, it obviously takes time for them to adopt their philosophies. For the players, a lot of unlearning goes into their process, with the team playing in a certain way with previous coaches. For the USWNT, Hayes came in with much fanfare but followed the same methods. Her women-management skills took them over the line, one might say.

Naomi Girma dumbstruck by Emma Hayes’ influence on the USWNT

Girma continued, “So, I think like from now on any camp, or any matches that we have are really just opportunities for us to get better and I think it’s really exciting like specifically for this group like, we haven’t been playing under Emma for that long. There is so much more for us to learn. There is so much more ways our game can evolve. So it’s just exciting that you know that potential is there.”

It’s an exciting time for the USWNT. They have the players, the coaches, and the experience. With the 2027 Women’s World Cup approaching soon, we expect the World Cup to come back home. Last time, in 2023, the performances raised questions about the USWNT’s mentality. However, the Olympic gold medal shut down those complacent talks. They remain motivated.

In one way, Girma remains key to their success. The San Diego Wave defender remains the first name on the team sheet. A rock at the back, Girma’s slowly developing into a squad leader. They have what it takes to be serial winners with the English coach in charge. Hopefully, we can see Emma Hayes and the girls go one step further in friendly and spoil us with a goal fest. Are you excited about the game?