Emma Hayes, the highly respected coach of Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, is set to take on a new challenge as the incoming coach of the US women’s national team. In a recent press conference, Hayes expressed her belief that player-to-player relationships can present challenges and may be inappropriate in a professional setting.
Hayes, who is scheduled to lead the US national team in friendly matches against South Korea in June, emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism and high standards in player-coach relationships. This discussion comes in light of reports of a player-coach relationship investigation at Leicester women’s team, highlighting the need for safeguards to be in place.
The talented coach acknowledged the difficulties that coaches face in navigating player relationships, especially when considering factors such as playing time and contracts. Hayes pointed out the historical context of women’s football, noting the transition from largely amateur to a more professional era where standards and expectations have significantly increased.
During her press conference, Hayes brought up the long-standing relationship between players Pernille Harder and Magdalena Eriksson, who have played together at both Chelsea and Bayern Munich for the past decade. This example further underscores the complexities of player-to-player relationships and the potential impact on team dynamics.
As Emma Hayes prepares to take on her new role with the US national team, her insights on player relationships and professionalism in women’s football are sure to spark important conversations within the sport. With her wealth of experience and leadership skills, Hayes is poised to make a significant impact on the team and continue her impressive coaching legacy.
