The departure of Vlatko Andonovski put a lot of doubts into the USWNT heading to the Paris Olympics. The players looked in disarray, heading to the Olympics. With no specific training routines, Twila Kilgore tried hard to leave a sparkle. Thus, without further scrutiny, they signed Emma Hayes to change the course of history. Yet, some players like Tierna Davidson had apprehensions heading into the Olympics.

The rapid changes caused a lot of confusion in the camp, especially for the players. Yet, Davidson mentioned, “We all knew that she is a great coach.” During Hayes’ time in Chelsea, she became a serial winner, propelling the team to multiple titles. But the initial doubts remained the same.

According to CBS Sports, Davidson stated, “We had seen what she’d done with Chelsea and that she was going to be really great for our group. I think it’s exactly what we needed during this time but as always, we weren’t exactly sure of just the basic things, like how she wanted to run a training session or maybe how she coached on the sideline, so those are the things we had to build into and learn, especially in our pre-camp coming into the Olympics.”

Davidson is one of the best players in the USWNT, earning a bronze medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The center back with Naomi Girma remains one of the best partnerships for the national team. Yet with her understanding of the game, Hayes remains a class above the rest in soccer and it became a new experience for her.

Yes, everyone points to her time in Chelsea. It’s obvious because one might say she can match Pep Guardiola in terms of success. Winning five consecutive league titles with Chelsea before she left is no easy feat. She won 16 major trophies in 12 years, showcasing the dominant side. Yet, the concerns were there within the USWNT camp despite all the success.

Tierna Davidson and other players were unsure of Emma Hayes

With the training methods probably different in the U.S.A. and England, the players remained dubious about it. When coaches come in, most world-class coaches prefer their philosophy over a club or a national side’s approach to the game. Sometimes, players get dropped. They need a fresh start. Just ask Alex Morgan, who received the axe before the Olympics.

Therefore, training leading to the Olympics became critical. The USWNT players went through multiple sessions, with Emma Hayes preferring a more holistic approach. Similarly to Carlo Ancelotti man-management at Real Madrid, Hayes wanted the team to gel together. Because only if you gel as a team, you win soccer matches!

Thus, with the ‘Triple Espresso’ leading the way, no one could stop the USWNT. They defeated Brazil 1-0 to recapture their long-lost Olympic gold medal. All credit goes to the players, but spare a thought for Emma Hayes; she took them over the finishing line!