12 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeats—not a bad start for the US Women’s National Team under Emma Hayes. Ever since their 2023 World Cup heartbreak, the American ladies have never looked back, keeping their heads up for glory and winning the gold at the Paris Olympics. Of course, the credit goes to Hayes for her tremendous job, with Naomi Girma thanking the English tactician for letting the team play with ‘freedom.’

What can we say? Giving liberty to her players on the pitch is perhaps one of the most remarkable qualities of the former Chelsea boss. That allows each of the starting XI members to exhibit creativity in countless ways. Though a stalemate scoreline against England on Saturday contradicts this sentiment, Hayes was seen giving her all on the sidelines of Wembley, constantly issuing instructions that impressed Girma.

“She does a good job of getting us information on the field when we need it and not making it stressful, just instructive,” admitted the San Diego Wave defender during the post-match interview. “She’s just brought belief into the team. She’s allowed us to play with freedom and just go out and have fun,” added Girma, acknowledging that Hayes hardly put any pressure on players to win the game, let alone the fact it was against her home nation.

Perhaps the Stars and Stripes took fun in the literal sense, as the team forgot they had to find the back at the net. While goals may have been missing, galore was filled on the pitch thanks to the efforts of fresh faces including Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears, who certainly got a confidence boost from Haye to play in front of over 76,000 spectators.

“She brings that energy. To play underneath her, you just feel that freedom in whatever you’re doing and feel that you can go out and express yourself,” concluded Girma, praising the 48-year-old tactician’s undeterred support throughout the 90 minutes. Notably, alongside many other names, Girma also displayed a solid performance, letting the Lionesses take not more than just 4 shots with only one being on target. And guess what? Who stands tall behind Naomi to take credit for her assertive defensive display?

Emma Hayes considers Naomi Girma a born ‘leader’

Within the first training session, Emma Hayes was in awe of Naomi Girma. Having once admitted that “she’s one of the best defenders I have ever seen,” the English tactician even considers the 24-year-old greater than being a great wall of the USWNT’s backline. “She immediately came in and believed in me to be a leader on the team,” Girma noted while recalling her initial interactions with the London-born manager.

This was enough of a confidence booster for Girma, who mentioned, “It makes you feel like, okay, I can do this.” No wonder that ever since the arrival of Hayes, Naomi has been in stellar form, playing a crucial role in the recent Olympics. The runner-up in the ESPN Top 50 Women’s Footballer had also scored a brace in the previous camp during their game against Argentina.

While the hard work of players is noted, the credit goes to Emma Hayes for reviving the much-needed joy that the USWNT was desperately trying to find!