Success on the field often hinges on the harmony of it, and soccer is no different. Look at how Emma Hayes has unlocked the secret to winning hearts and games alike. Ever wonder how she does it? Having revived a team that was having a rough patch back to the world’s no.1, all the while managing a roster of 23 players, Emma shared her ‘secret ingredient’ in a recent talk.

After spending nearly 12 years at Chelsea, she knew transitioning to the American style would come with its challenges. But isn’t it also evident that her success just in 6 months showcases her exceptional qualities as a leader? 

During an engaging conversation with Rachel and Sophie from Girls on the Ball. The 48-year-old coach highlighted the complexity of managing a diverse team of players. “You imagine you’re managing 20 to 23 players. You never get it right with all of them,” she admitted. Over the years, Hayes has learned that while some players may remain out of touch, it’s crucial to find someone on your staff who can build that bridge- “What I’ve learned is that you might not connect, but someone else has to within your staff. So, you have to try and find that connection.“

One of Hayes’ standout philosophies is her belief in collective effort within a coaching setup. Acknowledging that personal connections with every player might not always be feasible, she emphasized the importance of leveraging her staff to fill those gaps. “What I’ve learned is that you might not connect, but someone else has to within your staff,” Hayes explained.

As the popular saying goes, great coaches are athlete-centered, not self-centered, and Emma Hayes’ role as the head coach of the USWNT has certainly been exceptional. Recently, she organized a Thanksgiving party for the team, knowing they would be away from home for the crucial England fixture. The match ultimately ended in a stalemate, but Hayes’ thoughtful gesture highlighted her play management by supporting her players both on and off the field. 

Speaking of thoughtfulness, what qualities of Emma helped her become the players’ favorite?

Does motherhood make Emma Hayes a better coach?

Emma Hayes’ journey as a coach has been profoundly shaped by her role as a mother, especially as her son, 6-year-old Harry, grows older and begins to understand the world of soccer. She reflects that motherhood hasn’t necessarily made her job easier, but rather, it has added new layers of complexity- “Oh no, no, it doesn’t get easier, it gets harder,” she admits. Even giving an example, the 48-year-old shared an instance – during the Olympics, he struggled with being away from her, a challenge she partly created to stay focused but one that made her realize her son’s need for routine and connection.

Hayes’ reflections reveal how seamlessly her personal and professional lives intertwine. By embracing this dual role, she has not only balanced her responsibilities but also become a more effective coach. Following the stalemate against England at Wembley, Emma Hayes now shifts her focus to the next challenge, a game away from home against the Netherlands.