There’s a reason why soccer is called a team sport. Consider the USWNT’s recent Paris Olympics for a moment. 11 players alongside 2 or 3 substitutes may have been used throughout the tournament. But that doesn’t mean those who didn’t play a single second were any less crucial to their gold medal triumph. The entire 22-player squad, as well as the coaching staff, deserve equal recognition, a sentiment that Emma Hayes echoes. In an untelevised speech, the USA manager took a moment to hail the unheralded heroes, praising every individual for their ‘unbelievable contribution’ to the team’s success.

The never-seen-before 10-minute clip was shared by the US Soccer Federation’s official YouTube channel. Captioned “BEHIND THE CREST | USWNT Golden Once Again!”, it consists of some BTS shots and interview bits of a few players as well as Hayes. Interestingly, one moment from the video saw Hayes giving a serious speech that each player was witnessed listening to very carefully.

“Most importantly, I’m in a team because I like [a] team, and I believe in doing things together.” Addressing the bench and the alternative players who didn’t make the pitch throughout the game, the former Chelsea boss continued, “Of course, not everybody can play all of the time but everybody has not only contributed in an unbelievable way but everybody has embraced their role in a way where I have learned so much from you.”

Hayes expressed more admiration and respect for the players, who despite being overlooked during squad selection, showcased team spirit and didn’t complain once over not getting minutes during the Summer Games. Unfortunately, it’s in the nature of such international tournaments, that we typically see only a manager sticking with his best XI and using a handful of impactful substitutes.

Hayes, too, was no stranger to such an approach. In fact, the England boss was often questioned about her rigid ‘no-substitution’ policy during the Olympics campaign. Luckily, the 47-year-old smartly tackled the eyebrow-raising query to the media, insisting that minimal changes were the key to their Olympics success. Also, she wanted the USWNT players to ‘suffer‘ and prepare for whatever may come. Talk about mental preparedness!

Rest, we all know how USWNT trod its path to glory to successfully rise from the ashes. That, you’ll be surprised to hear, wasn’t their initial goal!

Emma Hayes and USWNT didn’t play Paris Olympics for gold!

Before the Paris Olympics final against Brazil, Emma Hayes’ final pep talk was also shared in a similar clip. Instead of focusing on the technicalities of the match, the English tactician gave an interesting piece of advice. “I can sit here and say to you, listen this game is about a gold medal game and winning a gold medal. Actually, it’s not.” Then what was it about?

Hayes continued, “It is getting another opportunity to play with your friends and I want you to make sure you play like it is like that today all right. I’m proud of you.” There you go, more wise words from the former WSL boss. Clearly, the USWNT players took it well, as the result is in front of you all. Indeed, what Emma Hayes has done for USWNT is beyond words.