USWNT Boss Emma Hayes Unleashes Player Expectations After Axing Alex Morgan From Olympic Roster

Emma Hayes’ 18-player USWNT squad for the upcoming Olympics has been the subject of severe scrutiny lately. Soccer veterans and fans object to her exclusion of superstar Alex Morgan and the inclusion of Korbin Albert in the mix. While she has addressed these two issues separately, she has now shed light on her expectations for the Olympics. The veteran coach wants her players to take it slow at the Olympic tournament in Paris, one step at a time.

In a recent interview with BR Football’s Julie Foudy, Emma Hayes was quizzed about what she plans to accomplish at the Olympics. “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, one chunk at a time. I think in order for us to get to where we want to go, it’s important to process it like that,” said Emma Hayes.

The former Chelsea boss added, “I think it’s fair to say we’re moving in the right direction. The performances have been strong. Not in all parts of the game. So we have to maximize what we do in that July camp.”

Hayes has notably bet on youngsters for the Olympics by sidelining veterans such as Alex Morgan and Lynn Williams. Meanwhile, stars such as Naomi Girma, Korbin Albert, and Jaedyn Shaw lace up for their first Olympic stint. Hence, the USWNT boss feels it is her responsibility to deepen the understanding between her players. “I have a fair idea and picture of the different roles and responsibilities throughout the team. For me, it’s deepening that understanding within them all, so that no matter what job they have… they’re ready,” Hayes added.

Since Hayes will be occupied with enhancing the understanding between players, why did she exclude a veteran like Alex Morgan, who knows the US team in and out?

Here’s why Emma Hayes snubbed Alex Morgan for the Olympics

Emma Hayes couldn’t help but fan over Alex Morgan’s professionalism after crossing paths in a USWNT camp in June. However, she hinted that there is a change of guard going on within the US women’s team. “It was a tough decision, especially considering Alex’s record and history with this team. I felt wanted to go in another direction and selected other players,” said Emma Hayes.

She added that the selected forwards on USWNT’s Olympic roster show deep versatility and are performing well. She hinted that this versatility was key in determining the roster and the young players on the squad excel in playing in different positions.

The US kick-start their Olympic campaign on July 25, 2024, facing Zambia. If Hayes’ relatively young squad thrives in Paris, they will perhaps soon permanently replace the like of Morgan to welcome a new era of women’s soccer in America.