They say, “If you’re going to be a coach, be a great one,” and isn’t Emma Hayes proving to be exactly that for the USWNT? Watching her in action is like seeing a maestro conduct a symphony; she’s not just leading a team; she’s creating something extraordinary. Even the former Aston Villa manager and the current member of USWNT Scout couldn’t help but reveal the positive vibes around Hayes and the winning culture she’s building. 

Behind every brilliant play on the pitch, there’s always a mastermind calling the shots, and Emma Hayes is proving she’s got that magic touch, don’t you think? She’s an absolute game-changer! But it’s not just her reputation doing the talking; it’s the way her team has been lighting up the field. Take the USWNT’s impressive 9-game unbeaten streak, for instance. Sure, it ended in a stalemate against the reigning European champions, but hey, they were close to winning the game as well.

Carla Ward reveals Emma Hayes’ golden rule

“When she talks, you listen”—that’s how Carla Ward summed up the magic of Emma Hayes during her recent chat on 90mins Talks. And honestly, could there be a better way to describe the USWNT boss? Ward pulled back the curtain on Hayes’ golden rule and gave fans an inside look at the culture she’s built, which helped the team win Olympic gold.

Carla, who joined the USWNT setup as a scout, shared how quickly Hayes’ impact became crystal clear. “After about four days of being there, I had absolutely zero doubt that Emma was going to go and win gold,” Ward said. That’s the kind of confidence Hayes inspires not just in her players but in everyone around her. This summer turned into the stuff of legends for Emma Hayes, a former Chelsea boss who took the reins of the USWNT and worked her magic beautifully. Just two months into the job, Hayes steered the team to their fifth Olympic gold.

But this wasn’t just any gold medal win; it was a redemption arc for a team that had seen better days. After a shock exit in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, losing to Sweden in a nail-biting penalty shootout, the USWNT wasn’t exactly riding high. Enter Hayes, who not only got them back to winning ways but established a statement—change is the only constant, right? And Emma Hayes’ journey from Chelsea to the USWNT has been no exception.

From club to country, Hayes opens up on the pressures of coaching

In a recent talk with Rachel and Sophie in Extra Time with GirlsontheBall Special Episode, the 48-year-old USWNT coach was asked about the pressures and management of life after the transition from club soccer to an international soccer schedule. She talks about how the club soccer had a lot of work responsibilities due to the different competitions, and it took a toll on her health, both mentally and physically.

Emma Hayes is proving that even the biggest transitions can bring out the best—she’s found her sweet spot. While club soccer had her juggling a packed schedule and endless competitions, stepping into international soccer has given her a nice breather. All this balance, from work management to player tactics, combined with her incredible presence of mind, is what truly sets Hayes apart.