“I don’t know how he does it,” began Karim Benzema. “He has some sort of trick, and everybody listens to him.” If you are still unsure who this iconic French striker is referring to, the answer is Jose Mourinho. Well, that’s just how good The Special One is. But we think this nature should be exclusive to every coach, having a lasting impact on their players. Luckily, in the women’s side of the game, Emma Hayes seems to be the master of it—at least according to her former disciple, Fran Kirby.

Having joined Chelsea in the summer of 2015 from Reading, the English midfielder vocally admits that it was the 48-year-old who played a key role in her domestic journey. “We all know that Emma, once she gets something in her mind it’s got to happen,” began Kirby while speaking to co-host Sam Mewis on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast.

“It was one of the main reasons why I joined the club. I spoke to Emma about the vision that she sees, the club going into, and what she wants to create there,” added the 31-year-old. Well, it is true; whatever Hayes must have thought of doing at Kingsmeadow did turn out to be favorable for everyone. The Blues enjoyed a significant time with the English tactician, let alone winning trophies.

“When Emma talks to you about something, you believe it. She could be telling the most absolute lies but you will believe it because she’s so passionate about the game and she wants to grow the game. That was what kind of drew me into going to sign for her, wanting to play for her, and for the club,” Kirby added.

Sure, every club has a plan and ambition that they showcase before luring any player or a coach. However, Fran asserts that hardly anyone has the ability to back it up with action. No wonder she felt something unique the first time she arrived at the London club. “When I walked in and met Emma for the first time and I met the people in the building, I was like, ‘No, this is actually going to go somewhere,'” concluded Kirby.

It’s remarkable to see how the influence of just one person can play a significant role in someone’s life. Well, as surprising as it may sound, Hayes is indeed a master in this case, considering she helped a USWNT star in a similar situation!

Emily Fox also earned some wisdom from Emma Hayes over domestic career

After leaving NWSL side NC Courage for Arsenal, Emily Fox was lucky enough to get molded by Hayes concerning the growth of her tactical knowledge. The USWNT star’s interactions with her new national team coach have provided her with valuable insights into what it takes to excel in a league like the WSL.

“I wonder if her experience in the WSL is almost like an advantage for you because Emma is aware of the tactical nuance that you’re facing,” said Fox in an interview earlier. “Emma was really good at that in terms of how she talked and just kind of giving us confidence and belief in ourselves, and I think that was one thing that made a big difference, that actually really resonated with me.” 

Even a brief glimpse highlights the immense value of players working under coaches like Hayes. The English tactician’s WSL experience is still clearly reflected in Fox’s observations. From influencing players’ club decisions to offering support in various aspects, Emma truly is a jack of all trades.