The October window or say, the ‘victory tour’, turned out to be quite successful for the USWNT. A doubleheader win against Iceland followed by a commanding result against Argentina helped the American ladies extend their winning streak since the Olympics. However, there was a moment of setback that—while the group managed to overcome it—may still call for Emma Hayes to ‘find a balance.’

Well, first let’s address you with the setback. During the second clash vs Iceland, the former Chelsea boss had decided to make seven changes in the starting lineup compared to the opening clash against Stelpurnar okkar, giving rest to the big guns and playing the youngsters instead. That, however, shockingly saw the USWNT trailing in the second half, forcing Hayes to eventually take off the fresh legs and introduce the veterans.

This made Sam Mewis question Becky Sauerbrunn on the latest episode of ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast whether Hayes should have relied on the youngsters—albeit the result—as a ‘good practice for the future.’ Interestingly, while agreeing to her co-host’s advice, Sauerbrunn began, “The technical staff needs to find a balance because I think you need to give time and grace to these new combinations of players who have a little bit less experience.”

Becky advised Hayes and her team to closely assess in-game situations, understand what isn’t working, and make adjustments to address challenges as they arise. “Finding a way to get your footing in a game, finding a way to win, is something these players need to learn in order for the program to be successful and for them to be successful as individuals.”

On the other hand, the Portland Thorns veteran knows it’s difficult for the US to explore the unexplored due to the immense pressure from both the public as well as the stakeholders to see the team consistently deliver results, which makes it difficult to venture into new approaches or strategies. Then again, this is exactly the kind of balance that Becky wants Hayes to figure out.

“I think it’s great that you can always rely on the tried and true but I do think you need to find a balance if we are going to be going younger, which we are, and giving these players their debuts, these new experiences give them maybe a little bit more time to find their way.” concluded the 39-year-old.

The message is clear: to figure out a way to make the best use of both the youngsters and veterans on the team. However, this is something that Hayes wouldn’t be able to do even in the upcoming windows.

Despite ‘future’ aspirations with the USWNT, Emma Hayes won’t be experimenting before 2025!

“Well, that was my goal when I came in—not just to win but to develop,” said Hayes, emphasizing her commitment to leaving the USWNT “in a better place” when her tenure ends, intending to set up the Federation for long-term success. However, she indicated that there would be no room for experimentation in the upcoming match against England.

The English manager elaborated on the broader strategy, noting that over the past three games, the team had utilized 26 players, including many debutants and less-experienced members. She acknowledged that this process was part of a larger team-building effort. Though she anticipated a more stable lineup for the next camp, she confirmed plans to reintroduce experimentation in January.

So it seems Hayes will consider Becky Sauerbrunn’s advice eventually.