Refusing to Proxy for Korbin Albert, Emma Hayes Reacts to Wembley Booing- “People Have Not Asked the Questions”

Reputation is hard-earned but easily lost—a sentiment that Korbin Albert must be relating to. The midfielder’s reputation has been in tatters for obvious reasons, with fans booing her whenever she steps onto the pitch. Sadly, the recent England vs. USWNT match was no exception, as instead of standing up for Albert, it only saw Emma Hayes surprisingly suggesting that fans are ‘entitled‘ to their actions.

To remind you, the midfielder has been in controversy ever since she shared anti-LGBTQ content on social media in March while also liking a post that celebrated former USA winger Megan Rapinoe’s injury earlier. Despite numerous apologies to fans, Albert remains on a few of the supporters’ bad lists, a feeling that Hayes understands. “I understand the booing and everybody is entitled to their opinions on it without doubt,” began the USA manager in the post-match presser.

“My job is not to weigh in on the debate, my job is [to be] a football coach and to produce a football team, and Korbin being a player within that like I always do, I’ve sat down with her, I’ve had several conver­sations in and around these things to make sure that self-development is there,” explained the former Chelsea boss on how she is helping the PSG superstar understand these situations.

Then again, what makes Hayes wonder is that despite numerous opportunities, Korbin herself has never been asked publicly to share her story. “There have been ­several opportunities for Korbin to be interviewed about this post-game, but people have not asked the questions, even at the Olympics,” questioned the 48-year-old tactician.

Notably, following Albert’s controversial social media actions, Rapinoe responded by criticizing the Parisian star and challenging her anti-LGBTQ stance. Other US veterans, such as Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan, also condemned Albert’s views. Many even questioned Emma Hayes’ decision to include her in the 22-player Olympic roster.

Albert came off the bench against Australia and scored a stunning golazo for the USWNT in their final group-stage win within just 12 minutes, making a case for fans to offer her a clean slate. However, the boos have persisted, and it seems they won’t subside—at least not until Hayes urges Korbin to seize the opportunity to set things right.

Emma Hayes leaves Korbin Albert holding the bag amid persistent boos

The recent Johan Cruyff Award winner for being the best coach insisted that though no one likes to get booed including Korbin Albert, she appreciated the presence of a community that supported their team. “We create an environment that’s inclusive, respectful, and tolerant – which I do, do – but I cannot control what happens outside our environment.”

Again supporting the supporter’s boos, Hayes expressed her optimism for Albert to take the opportunity of making things right. “I’m sure when the moment comes and Korbin is asked about it that’s for her to address not for me,” she said before concluding in fans’ favor, “but I totally appreciate the fans doing that and they’re entitled to.”

Looks like Korbin might have to go the extra mile in order to make into the supporter’s soft spot. Regardless, let’s see how that happens.