Emma Hayes is preparing to take the USWNT reins, and the legendary Chelsea boss has no overwhelming desire to move into men’s football.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Reputation earned as one of the bestConsiderable success enjoyed in women's gameHas been linked with various posts in men's footballWHAT HAPPENED?
The charismatic 47-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the best tactician brains in the women’s game – with her trophy collection supporting a case for positioning her towards the top of that chart. It is those credentials which appealed to the United States as they prepare to welcome Hayes into their dugout during the summer of 2024.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT HAYES SAID
It has been suggested that Hayes could rewrite the history books at some stage by taking charge of a leading side in the men’s game, but she has told when quizzed about her future plans: “When it comes to managing a men’s team, you have to be offered the right job. It's not about what I would like to do but there's an obsession that you've got to climb the ladder all over again. There is no denying it's different, player pool recruitment would be different, as would so many other things. I've got about 15 male members in my staff and yes, you have to manage egos but then I think females have egos too. It's not about me specifically, but rather somebody giving anyone the opportunity – that, for me, is what's still not happening. I’m sure if me or others had been offered the right job situations then they would be considered, but I'm certainly not going to sit around waiting for it. I've been given the amazing opportunity to remain in the women's game and that's the choice for now.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Hayes is considered to be a source of inspiration to many, but she added when asked for the advice that she would offer to any aspiring coaches: “My tip for aspiring managers would be… Don't do it! I would not recommend it and I mean it seriously! I would not recommend this job because I think it's really tough at the top; it's lonely, it's really really hard, and it's unsociable. You need a really good support network and the reason I say that – not to put people off – is that you have to recognise that you need all of those things in order to be successful. You have to get that right, so look after the people that support you in what you do, because without them you can’t do it.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HAYES?
Hayes has found a formula that works for her, with six WSL titles secured during her reign at Chelsea. She has also savoured five FA Cup wins and two League Cup triumphs, with the plan being to add more medals to her collection before bidding farewell to west London.
