Emma Hayes has firmly dismissed the notion that her departure from Chelsea to take over the US women's national team was due to burnout. Instead, she attributed her decision to the intense "emotional needs" of managing the Blues squad and the relentless pursuit of maintaining their historic success.
Hayes, who is gearing up to steer the USWNT at the 2024 Olympics, concluded her successful stint with Chelsea on a high note last Saturday by clinching the Women's Super League title. Despite another trophy-laden season, it wasn't fatigue that prompted her desire for a fresh challenge.
"It's not tiring thinking about going to an Olympics, is it? " Hayes remarked on Saturday. "It's different, a different energy. I'll feel reinvigorated and re-energized with something else. Sometimes people think you need a rest. Sometimes you just need a change.
"So, Monday, I have to speak to a handful of players and staff, as I have been doing in the background anyway," she added. "Tuesday I'm on a leadership call with U.S. leadership and on Wednesday, I fly to New York. Pressers Thursday, in Denver Friday to meet with the staff, and get prepared for the team to arrive on Monday. And listen, they deserve my full attention and they will get that from me.
"The groundwork for these preparations has been ongoing behind the scenes, so yeah. I'm having one night. Tonight and [6 year old son] Harry's birthday party tomorrow. That's all I need. I'll be ready to go [on] Monday morning."
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Chelsea have been a powerhouse under Hayes' leadership in west London, but the USWNT is facing a period of uncertainty. They fell short of expectations at the World Cup last summer and the Tokyo Olympics.
However, they did gain some confidence after winning the inaugural W Gold Cup earlier this year. But the upcoming tournament is on another level.
Chelsea became WSL champions for the seventh time under Emma Hayes. (Getty Images)The USWNT will be competing in Group B at the 2024 Olympics, alongside Germany, Australia, and Zambia. Hayes hopes to guide the Americans through the event and hopefully clinch a gold medal.
After that, she plans to spend time with her family, something her Chelsea schedule didn't permit. Hayes spoke about her time at Chelsea, saying, "It's taken its toll on me rather than change me," and "I categorically cannot carry on, so I am absolutely leaving at the right time. I don't have another drop to give."
She also mentioned the challenges of the job, stating, "There's so much to the job, not just this, it's dealing with people, when you deal with people, I set such high standards for myself, but maintaining that has become impossible."
She added, "I can't keep up with the demands from players on a daily basis, in terms of their emotional needs, in terms of everything, and I found that to be gruelling this year, to be honest with you."
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