Football thrives on great personalities, and for 12 years, English women’s football was enriched by the presence of one of the most charismatic coaches in the sport: Emma Hayes. Never one to shy away from speaking her mind, Hayes brought a unique energy to the game, rarely beaten and always engaging. The Women’s Super League and the broader English football scene may not have fully appreciated how much they missed Hayes until she returned with her Olympic champions, reminding everyone of the impact a touch of personality can have in growing a sport.
The match itself was rather lackluster, but Hayes managed to make the occasion anything but. The week began with a press conference hosted by Hayes in a Camden pub, setting the tone with humor about the venue’s aroma of “fart and feet” before serving pints behind the bar. While it would be unfair to label the current WSL managers as dull, it’s undeniable that none of them can command a room’s attention like Hayes, ensuring extensive media coverage and generating significant interest for even a friendly fixture.
On the sidelines during the match, Hayes was as animated as ever, continuously guiding her players with specific instructions and gestures. Post-match, USA centre-back Naomi Girma praised Hayes, saying, “She does a great job of providing us with information when we need it, without making it stressful. She’s instilled belief in the team, allowing us to play with freedom and have fun. She brings that energy. Playing under her, you feel that freedom and the ability to express yourself.”
Hayes had hinted before the match that she might ‘hum’ along to the national anthems, aware of the curiosity surrounding her stance. When the moment arrived, she couldn’t help but smile as the camera focused on her. In her post-match press conference, she deftly handled the topic, stating, “I was smiling because I could see Naomi and Lynn looking at me as I was mouthing the anthem. I’m proud to be English and proud of our national anthem. I’m also proud to coach America and their anthem. Both are possible simultaneously, and I won’t shy away from it. Both countries are dear to me for various reasons, and I’m proud to represent both.”
In a pre-match press conference, Hayes also stood up for Barbra Banda, who had faced online abuse. After the game, she calmly addressed the booing directed at one of her players, Korbin Albert, relating to controversies over his social media use and alleged anti-LGBTQ+ views. Rather than avoiding such issues, Hayes uses her platform to promote social good.
It’s hard to quantify the impact of Hayes’ departure on the WSL’s exposure, but this season feels lacking in off-pitch narratives, rivalries, and drama that Hayes seemed to naturally attract. Hayes appears increasingly comfortable in her role with the Olympic champions, and her tenure with the USA could extend beyond her current contract, which runs until 2027. She might one day be remembered as the women’s football equivalent of Brian Clough, potentially becoming ‘the greatest Lionesses manager the Lionesses never had.’
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
