“I think they possibly will,” Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher once remarked about his nation’s women’s side, lamenting their loss of Emma Hayes to an arch-nemesis like the U.S. Women’s National Team. While hardly anyone would consider their best talents to work against them, the harsh reality is that Hayes will be plying her trade against the Lionesses for the foreseeable future. But what if we told you that Hayes won’t just be spending a ‘minimum‘ amount of time living her American dream, but even managing her beloved nation?

Believe it or not, this just might be true. As someone who was born and raised in London, spent over a decade in the nation’s domestic landscape, and won countless trophies with a big club like Chelsea, Emma wouldn’t mind striking while the iron is hot and choosing to manage the Lionesses. “I’ll never say never to managing my country,” Hayes told FourFourTwo, “but I’m really happy with what I’m doing now and I’ll be in the USA for a minimum of four years.”

Having arrived in 2024, Hayes successfully completed her first-ever international challenge with the American ladies, leading them to the Paris Olympic gold. However, the following years still call for her to help the 4x World Champions find their footing in the 2027 World Cup, topping it off with a potential 2028 Olympics win.

What would make things even more interesting is seeing Hayes face the Lionesses, who are currently managed by Dutch tactician Sarina Wiegman. Yet, she is least interested in cheering for her nation while wearing red, white, and blue. “As long as they’re not competing against the USA, I’ll always be cheering on the Lionesses. I’m always going to be English and want them to do well. But we all know they’ve got an amazing manager in Sarina.”

Technically, this isn’t the first time Hayes has vocally expressed fondness for her beloved country as an outsider championing the inside. And so what if she’s now coaching one of the Lionesses’ fiercest rivals? The reality is that the former WSL manager will always stay true to her roots.

“I’m really proud to be English, and I’ve loved nothing more than my country,” she admitted a few months ago, before playing a stalemate against Wiegman and Co. at Wembley on November 30. “I’m an adopted American, and while I’m in charge of this country, I know I’ll give everything for the badge because that’s how I work. I can still love my country and love working for the US all at once.”

So it’s clear that there’s no sense of ethical conundrum for Hayes to be wearing one hat but serving another. On top of that, she has confidence in the current Lionesses boss. Well, similar is the feeling on the other side of the shore!

Sarina Wiegman knew Emma Hayes was ‘ready’ for USWNT glory

Emma Hayes took on the U.S. role following an exceptional spell with Chelsea, leading the team to Olympic gold in her debut major tournament—a feat that drew worldwide acclaim. However, for Wiegman, the signs were already clear, insisting the 48-year-old was inclined to illustrious success with the Stars and Stripes ft. ladies.

“No, it hasn’t surprised me at all… You could tell, and you could see it… She was really ready for that,” said Wiegman. The Olympic campaign was demanding, with the U.S. encountering formidable opponents, yet Hayes’ leadership shone through. “Even in the final, you saw how hard that game was, but they found a way to win. Impressive.”

Emma Hayes may be prepared for more with USWNT, but we are looking forward to the day she steps up as Lionesses boss!