“I don’t get paid what Jürgen Klopp gets paid for me to take a sabbatical year.” Or even mentioning, “You can’t find a female coach working in the men’s game leading men”—these past statements from Emma Hayes do not necessarily reflect how strong of an advocate she is for the women’s game. Rather, they highlight the unfortunate disparity that exists when compared to the men’s side. While we don’t know how well these issues can be addressed, the sad reality is that yet another challenge is making things ‘harder‘ for female coaches this time.

Recognition, for one, is a major issue in the women’s game. Emma Hayes, Sarina Wiegman, and, more recently, Casey Stoney has earned head coach roles, leading top-ranked nations like the USWNT, England, and Canada, respectively. However, the same opportunities are far less accessible to female assistant coaches. Many struggle to transition into lead roles despite their qualifications and aspirations.

“I think female coaches get a harder time—I do,” began Hayes while speaking on ESPN FC’s Futbol W, hosted by USWNT icon Ali Krieger. “But I think it’s a question you have to ask more owners and more general managers around.”

It’s not like female assistant coaches aren’t getting promoted at all. There have been many instances where they have earned a higher position. In fact, Hayes has been keeping her fingers crossed that more prospects open up for women coaches. Not to mention how a lot of them are eager to do more than just the assistant role.

Then again, the 48-year-old insists that, unlike men’s soccer, getting a job as a manager is difficult for female tacticians. “I’ve always said, for coaches of the women’s game—female coaches—more often than not, if they go into a job, they leave, whether they got fired or they’ve moved on, it’s a lot harder for women to get back into coaching. I definitely think that’s something we have to pay attention to,” concluded Hayes.

Message received.

It seems that stakeholders in the women’s game should make this issue a priority. They shall create more opportunities on the managerial front. Fortunately for the U.S., Hayes herself is ready to be a part of this process.

Emma Hayes outlines ‘big goals’ in developing the women’s coaching landscape in the United States

The former Chelsea boss seems to be playing a role far beyond leading the USWNT to glory. In the same segment, she mentioned her keenness to improve the women’s coaching sector in America. “I know for me, I want to play a big part in helping develop American coaches. One of my big goals this year is to really influence how we as a federation are developing the next generation.”

Hayes praised the NWSL for attracting foreign coaches to America. Like how former FC Barcelona Femení coach Jonathan Giráldez has been leading the Washington Spirit since last summer. Or even Jonas Eidevall, Hayes’ ex-WSL rival, who joined the San Diego Wave from Arsenal this offseason. However, she also emphasized the importance of equally developing American coaches, noting that there are already many “fantastic” ones in the country.

To be honest, we’re so inspired by what Emma Hayes plans to do during her time in the States. Either way, it remains to be seen how things unfold for women coaches.