Boston, November 16, 2023
Emma Hayes, the esteemed manager who led Chelsea to an impressive 13 major trophies during her 11-year tenure, has officially taken on the monumental challenge of leading the United States national women’s football team. Widely regarded as the most prestigious job in women’s football, managing the US national team is a position that comes with immense expectations, and the question on many minds is whether Hayes is ready for this colossal task.
Hayes, at 47, has left an indelible mark on Chelsea, securing four successive Women’s Super League titles and an array of additional honors. In her first media appearance since announcing her departure from Chelsea, Hayes stated, “This is my club, and it will always be my club.” However, personal circumstances and a desire for more family time, particularly following the recent loss of her father, played pivotal roles in her decision to step away from the WSL.
Moving forward, Emma Hayes is set to take the reins of the US women’s team at the end of the current season, just in time for the 2024 Olympic Games. Her transition to international management provides the flexibility she seeks compared to the daily demands of club football.
Hayes faces a fresh challenge with the USA women’s team, known for its impressive track record of four Women’s World Cup triumphs and four Olympic gold medals. Currently undergoing a transition period after an unexpected early exit from the Women’s World Cup last-16, the team is witnessing the departure of iconic figures such as Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe, paving the way for the emergence of a new generation of talent.
Hayes, who previously coached at Chicago Red Stars, expressed her desire to lead a national team on the global stage, and her dream has materialized with the USA job. Valued highly by US Soccer, she is set to become the highest-paid female manager globally, earning an equal wage to the USA men’s boss.
Former England striker Ellen White praised Hayes for her phenomenal impact on the game and women in sport. Despite the challenges of replacing such an influential figure, players and pundits alike recognize Hayes’s extraordinary achievements in the Women’s Super League.
As Hayes steps into the role, she faces the daunting task of preparing the USA team for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. The expectations are sky-high, with the USA traditionally dominating women’s football. However, with Hayes’s track record of success at Chelsea and her ability to navigate transitions, she appears well-equipped to handle the pressure.
Known for her resilience, emotional intelligence, and innovative approach to management, Hayes brings a wealth of experience to the USA team. Her proven ability to rebuild and recruit, as demonstrated at Chelsea, positions her as a formidable force in international management.
In conclusion, Emma Hayes’s appointment as the manager of the US national women’s team is a significant development for women’s football. Her unique blend of leadership qualities and a proven track record make her a perfect fit for the challenges and expectations that come with managing one of the most successful teams in women’s football history. The football world will be watching closely as Hayes embarks on this new chapter in her illustrious career.