Two months is an incredibly short span of time for any manager to come in, prepare their team for a major tournament, and win it unbeaten. But that’s exactly what Emma Hayes achieved with the USWNT. Many doubted if she could adapt so quickly after spending 12 years at Chelsea, but her former WSL counterpart, Carla Ward knew she was the one who could do the impossible.
Ward and Hayes have a long-standing professional relationship, having crossed paths during their managerial days in the WSL. So when Carla left her position as Aston Villa manager, Hayes invited Ward to join her backroom staff for the USWNT ahead of the 2024 Olympics. Joining the team as a scout and analyzing opponents, Carla played a vital role in the team that won gold in Paris.
“There was never one doubt in my mind that she was going to win gold, Being around the team 24/7, you knew there was an air of calm, there was an air of confidence. People hang on her every word, and rightly so,” said Ward during an interview with ‘The Guardian’. She recalls how she was on holiday when the ex-Chelsea manager called offering the job but was a little too drunk to grasp the severity of the task at hand.
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“To see how she delivers messages and creates this environment is sensational. For me, she’s the best in the world,” said Ward who was full of praises for the USWNT coach. And the numbers don’t lie either, Hayes’ side has won 12 of their 13 games under her, with just one draw so far.
via Reuters
Paris 2024 Olympics – Football – Women’s Gold Medal Match – Brazil vs United States – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – August 10, 2024. Emma Hayes coach of the United States celebrates with Samantha Coffey of the United States after winning gold. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
Ward also appreciates how Hayes managed to stay at the top for 12 years, acknowledging that during her 3 years at Villa Park, the demands took a toll on her. And the number of trophies she’s won during her time at Stamford Bridge is a true testament to her managerial skills. Now, her USWNT side is back at Wembley, a venue that hosted Hayes’ several trophies.
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Familiar faces turned foes (just for the match) for Emma Hayes
Emma Hayes’ will be facing England manager Sarina Wiegman, someone she has worked with during her stint at Stamford Bridge. Speaking of the blues, she will also be reuniting with Millie Bright and Fran Kirby, both of whom were key players in her Chelsea side that achieved so much success together.
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So when ‘God Save the King’ plays at Wembley, Hayes will have mixed emotions wearing the red, blue, and white colors. The English fans are likely to give her a warm welcome as ‘the streets won’t forget’ her time in London. After all, there aren’t many managers in the women’s league who managed to achieve the success she has.
With the form that the USWNT is in, they are likely to be favorites to win the friendly, but the last time these two sides met at Wembley, it was the Three Lionesses who came out on top with a 2-1 victory. While Emma Hayes sets sights on bigger trophies, we are sure the upcoming home test will hold a special place in her heart.
