25 days ago, the USWNT witnessed their shock defeat at the hands of Japan in the SheBelieves Cups. Not even a month has passed since their unbeaten streak under Emma Hayes came to an end but talk about how time flies, right? We don’t know about the players, but we wouldn’t be surprised if some fans are still dwelling on the disappointing loss. However, if you are, perhaps a never-before-seen clip of Hayes might just lift your spirits!

Call the English tactician a Yoda because, let’s be honest, she always has wise words for just about anything. And it was no different after her team’s unfortunate defeat to the Asian side. Courtesy of U.S. Soccer’s series Behind the Crest—an exclusive series that offers behind-the-scene glimpses—Hayes was seen uplifting and consoling her squad after the loss. And mind you, this was no ordinary speech.

In a small reel shared by USWNT on Instagram, this whole conversation of Hayes with her team was added with a very noteworthy caption that read, “It’s said you can learn more from losses than victories. And as she continues to build her USWNT foundations, Emma Hayes agrees.” As for the visual part, the American ladies can be seen collecting their runner-up medal, while Japan is celebrating their triumph.

Then suddenly, having formed a big circle with her team, Hayes can seen giving a pep talk. “As much as you’re disappointed and as much as we think there’s room for our improvement, trust me, we learn so much more now by doing this than not at all. Okay? And I think this is an important moment because I don’t always believe that it’s just about winning at all costs.”

“I’d love to win; I want to win, but I want to learn significantly about what we’re capable of today, to make sure that we’re prepared for our future. Alright? So don’t forget it. Be disappointed. Have a hard face on you, because no one wants to lose. But be ready to go to the next levels in whatever capacity that takes.”

Could it literally be any more inspirational?

My, my. Emma Hayes truly knows the craft of motivation. Well, considering how experienced and a successful coach she is, one shouldn’t be surprised by these qualities. In fact, she is known for her eccentric yet effective motivational techniques. 

Guess what she did ahead of USWNT’s semifinal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She went ahead and showed the team a video of ultramarathon runner Courtney Dauwalter, sparking a discussion on how Dauwalter enters her “pain cave” during her races as she imagines herself in a hard hat with chisels picking at her—a technique that increases her tolerance with every mile. The reason? She wanted her players to go above and beyond, to forget about pain and fatigue, and to concentrate on one thing—Olympic glory. Unconventional? Maybe. But did it work? We all know the answer to that.

But all that is in the past. What does Hayes have in store for the future?

Emma Hayes will remain ‘patient’ with USWNT

Following their SheBelieves Cup upset, U.S. Soccer scheduled a spring doubleheader against China PR. The first match will take place on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, while the return leg is set for Tuesday, June 3, at Energizer Park in St. Louis. Before facing China, the four-time world champions will also meet Brazil twice during their April camp. The first clash is set for April 5 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, followed by the second match on April 8 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.

Some may wonder why they are eager to pack their schedule with so many friendlies. Then again, Hayes understands exactly why the U.S. needs a busier spring. “I love these games because they combine some rich women’s soccer history with the present, with both countries going through transitions in preparation for ’27 World Cup qualifying,” she said while commenting on the China friendlies. “But our process continues and it’s a patient and comprehensive one.”

While assuring that her coaching staff will be giving opportunities to the deserved players, she urged all the potential call-ups to give their all in these games. In short, Emma remains committed to living the exact same words she cited post her side’s first defeat under her charge. Let’s see how that turns out to be.