Emma Hayes takes charge of the USWNT’s latest Olympic adventure

This time last year, Emma Hayes’s involvement with international football was quite different. The renowned Chelsea manager, known for her insightful technical analysis at major tournaments, was taking a break from the daily demands of club football management. However, Emma Hayes takes charge as USWNT sets for Paris Olympics 2024

Hayes analyzed the disappointing performance of the USA, the back-to-back world champions, both on screen and in print. She criticized the state of youth development in the US, highlighted a lack of emerging creative talent, and questioned the team’s cohesion.

How Emma Hyes left Chelsea to join the US Women’s National Team

Last year, Emma Hayes analyzed the USA’s disappointing performance as back-to-back world champions, both on screen and in print. She criticized US youth development, highlighted a lack of emerging creative talent, and questioned the team’s unity.

Now, Hayes must transform those critiques into a plan of action as the US aims for their fifth Olympic gold and their first since the 2012 London Games. In early November of the previous year, Hayes announced she would leave Chelsea at the end of the season, and shortly after, it was revealed she would become the head coach of the US women’s national team.

Hayes’s decision to leave Chelsea for this prominent role was bold but not unexpected. The timing of her departure, announced just after a 6-0 Women’s Super League victory over Aston Villa, was surprising. 

While her tenure at Chelsea seemed to be nearing its end, the elusive Champions League title remained out of reach. The 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the 2021 final marked a blow to her hopes, and despite Chelsea’s efforts, they struggled to close the gap with Europe’s top teams.

Emma Hyes’ personal setbacks

In the past five years, Hayes has endured significant personal challenges, including losing one of her twins, her son Harry’s birth, an emergency hysterectomy, and her father’s death. 

These events have taken a toll on her, making the less demanding international football schedule appealing. Hayes is also familiar with the US soccer culture, having moved there early in her career to find better support for women’s football.

Hayes has already demonstrated her decisiveness by leaving out prominent player Alex Morgan from the 18-player squad. The 34-year-old forward was excluded to make room for younger players who are likely to shape the team’s future.

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