Emma Hayes was unprepared for how difficult leaving Chelsea would be, but admits she is enjoying her “new life” since taking over as America’s head coach.
Hayes announced in January that she was ending more than a decade as Women’s Super League champions in what was one of the most intense title competitions of the professional era.
Touchline discussions, press conference poems and a back-and-forth battle with Manchester City sum up Hayes’ final months in England, culminating on the final day of the season with Chelsea winning their fifth consecutive league title. Reached.
“When I decided to move to the United States at the end of the season, I had no idea how difficult it would be,” Hayes said. sky sports In her old local pub in Camden, north London.
“It was difficult to manage everything. The expectations, the press… it was a huge burden on me. Against the backdrop of all this, in order to get over the line, I felt that I could leave with my head held high. Ta.”
Hayes’ last game in charge was a 6-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford, clinching a seventh league title with Chelsea in front of her coaching hero Sir Alex Ferguson. . This time it was in front of thousands of fans at the away end who came to bid her an emotional farewell.
“Mixed emotions are the right emotions,” Hayes admitted, recalling that day.
“My heart was so full to be able to do it in front of the fans, to be with them and to do it at Old Trafford, Sir Alex’s former stomping ground. It’s engraved in my heart.
More than half a year has passed since Hayes risked his life to cross the Atlantic Ocean. Despite being 4,000 miles away from the club where she spent 12 years, the distance finally allowed her to reflect on what she had achieved.
“I have moments where I look back on my time there. I always come back to the same things. I’m grateful for the opportunity and thankful I’ve been in this job for so long. It was the perfect time for everyone to move on. ”.
“Now I’m on the other side of the ball. I’ve created a situation where I can enjoy myself as a fan. I know I’m the coach of the U.S. national team, but I’ll always love Chelsea.”
Any doubts about how Chelsea would cope in the post-Hayes era have completely disappeared following their excellent start to the season.
Already six points clear at the top of the WSL, Blue’s dominance of the English top flight appears to be entering a new cycle under new coach Sonia Bompastre.
Chelsea, who have won six of six games in the Champions League, have also been talked about as a club that could end Barcelona and Lyon’s reign as European champions, something Hayes will praise.
Chelsea’s new manager Sonia Bompastre has made a near-perfect start to her tenure at the helm of the WSL champions.
“I’m very happy with the way they’ve started the season and I’m very happy with the way Sonia has started with great players and people. That’s what it’s all about for me.”
“I’m happy with where I am and I know I couldn’t have done any better, so it’s natural for the players to have a different direction. I’m the middle of three brothers and I’m happy with the way I am and I know I couldn’t have done better, so it’s natural for the players to take a different direction. Envy doesn’t come into my heart, I’m not that person.
“I know that Sonia has taken over the changing room and I am happy that she will be able to enjoy the fruits of many people’s hard work over a long period of time and put her own stamp on it.
“If Chelsea go on to bigger and better things…Oh, that’s my perfect story. All the players in the dressing room know me. They have a growth mindset. Chelsea have looked great this season and I’m happy for them.
In typical Hayes style, three days after that famous and final title win at Old Trafford, she was on a plane to New York to begin a new coaching adventure.
Hayes appeared on as many national breakfast shows and prime-time shows as possible to convey not only U.S. Soccer’s plans but also her superstar personality.
“I felt a new breath of life and a sense of relief. That pressure was no longer there… There was new pressure, but it was just exciting. New city, new people, new players. Yes, it was a whirlwind. But I’ve been doing it forever.” I enjoyed every minute.
“I wanted to give my all to my new job. Seventy-five days later, I’m standing in the Parc des Princes watching my team put the gold medal around my neck. It was unbelievable.”
Hayes dedicated his Olympic gold medal to his late father.
Hayes wasted little time adding to his medal cabinet, leading the United States to Olympic glory in two and a half months on the job.
The USA, a star-studded team led by the attacking trident of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, entertained millions back home as they watched in Paris. , bravely walked the path to the gold medal.
“I’ve got great players, I’ve got a backroom staff that has come together… it’s never just one thing.
“We have the best players, we are in good shape, we defend well and we have scored the most goals. We came together at the right time, the players followed the plan and worked together to achieve the most remarkable thing in a short period of time. achieved.”
“We created a magical summer that will last forever.”
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Mauricio Pochettino, a close friend and coach of the U.S. men’s national team, claims Hayes is “the best coach in the world”
Like many successful coaches, Hayes is quick to direct attention and praise to his players.
But the 48-year-old is fully open about admitting that the rocky journey to the top makes the view from the top even more beautiful.
“My assistant Denise Reddy, I’ve worked with her for 20 years. After winning the gold medal, I asked her, ‘Can you believe what we did?’ She said, “Yes, I believe it. We’ve worked hard for this.”
“I thought about that a lot, and I thought about all the trials, tribulations, and setbacks… Sometimes you just see the good in someone, but you know all the disappointments I’ve been through. I think that’s what prepared me to go into this world’ position.
“But I’m just looking at them [the players]! You can see them on the podium with their medals around their necks and smiling faces.
“For Americans, winning an Olympic gold medal in soccer is the greatest honor. When I look at their faces, I see how happy they are, and that makes me happy. I I’m very excited about my new job…and I love winning.”
It’s a feeling American soccer fans have become accustomed to over the past 30 years. With Hayes at the helm and in such a positive position, the rest of the world faces the challenge of catching up.
