Emma Hayes was standing in the dugout, watching the best starting XI the USWNT head coach had put on the field against Brazil on Saturday. Beside her stood Avery Patterson, wearing a green bib. The English coach had just called her off the bench five minutes before the game was about to end, ready to make her first official appearance. As both kept a close eye on the match, Hayes asked the defender a unique question: “What would your 10-year-old self say to yourself?”
The answer from Patterson was short, yet bold and mature. The 22-year-old replied, “Have fun!” Seemingly convinced by the response, Hayes turned around and hailed the KC Current star with a handshake, saying, “Then do that. Alright? Congrats.”
This is Emma Hayes’ USWNT, ladies and gentlemen.
A peculiar introduction, perhaps—but enough to give you a sense of the atmosphere she’s cultivating within the team. Sure, previous testimonials from players and fans alike have often underscored this point. But what we just shared is an incident that’s never made your TV screens—exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, if you will.
Courtesy of Bleacher Report, who placed a mic near the USA’s dugout, we got a rare glimpse—not just of the unseen side of the American ladies, but also of how a typical manager communicates with players, shouts instructions, and interacts with the coaching staff. We bet it’s something that many of you always wanted to see more closely.
“No infield! Close the Space!” shouts Hayes to her teammates. These instructions are a reminder of what the 48-year-old does for this US team. If calm, collected, and charming you find her during press conferences, it’s completely opposite on the battlefield. After all, it’s not easy to carry 11 players just by remaining in one place. But she does well, Emma.
But not all moments are filled with angry reactions. After Trinity Rodman opened the scoring for the Stars and Stripes inside 5 minutes thanks to a beautiful solo effort set up from Alyssa Thompson, Hayes was on cloud nine. “Yeah! Yes! Boom! What a F****** start,” remarked the former Chelsea boss, celebrating her team’s dream commencement to any game, which too, actually came against an opponent they had beaten in the Paris Olympics final with quite a difficulty.
And the gravity of the fact that the goal came from someone she adores so much. “I like it. She’s in charge. You’re in control,” remarked the former WSL manager for Rodman, who was last seen in action against the very same opponent in the Summer Games final. “So deserving of a goal. Such a great run. Let me see that again,” she added.
Well, deserving was merely a humble choice of word to describe the goal for someone who finally made their return to the national team after successfully recuperating from a relapse of a back injury. But we’ll let this one slide, given how Hayes manages to make the most out of every moment.
More never-before-seen scenes ft. Emma Hayes
We don’t know about other managers, but to us, whatever comes out of Hayes’ mouth is nothing short of gold. On one occasion, the USA boss was even caught talking to herself, saying, “We need to ride this moment. And I do think they are more aggressive and I think if nothing’s changed, that has. Their backline’s higher. They’re around the second balls.”
It’s almost as if someone is delivering a detailed game analysis—the only difference is that Hayes ends up speaking her mind a little too loudly. Then again, who are we to stop her? A sheer display of tactical brilliance, if you will. “I like the numbers that made it back low. Move the ball,” remarked Hayes, before firing a praise for one of her players. “She’s got the composure of a senior pro.”
One quality Hayes seems to have made her trademark is her knack for noticing even the smallest of details. “’Cause the quality of that doesn’t go unnoticed,” she said. Well, that—and hyping up her players like no other. When it comes to even the tiniest things, not a single intrinsic detail escapes Hayes’ radar. “You’re doing so well at that. Seriously. Lindsey, I’m so happy for you there,” remarked the 2024 Ballon d’Or women’s soccer coach winner.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – JULY 31: United States head coach Emma Hayes along the sidelines during the second half against Australia during the Women’s group B match during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on July 31, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI/Getty Images)
Any job of a successful manager is to keep instructing their players whether the team is ahead or losing. Though USWNT was completely dominating Brazil, Emma kept on giving instructions to her soldiers. “This player here [Brazil rival], she’s almost blocking your inside. She’s wanting to [blocking gesture]…okay no problem. Sometimes I’m gonna go and I’ll put the ball into that space and I’ll push and run a way she’s cheating too,” says Hayes to Lindsey Heaps.
Funny thing is, even before her instruction session ends, Hayes already has feedback and ideas ready in her mind for other players. “Keep threatening that line like you are,” said the 48-year-old to substitute Michelle Cooper.
Then comes a few extra pinches of motivation from the experienced gaffer, who lifted 16 trophies during her 12-year stint at Chelsea. She’s constantly encouraging, guiding, and shouting—always for the good of the team. It’s a reminder that while players give their all—running nonstop, exhausting their legs, dehydrated, and still expected to produce magic—the manager’s job is no walk in the park either.
Consider any soccer match like a jigsaw puzzle. At first, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. But once all the pieces come together, it really makes you want to turn to your team and say, “Great game from you today.” Isn’t it right Emma?
Listening in on what a typical matchday sounds like for Emma Hayes from the dugout was truly a unique experience. Is it just us, or are you now also looking forward to seeing more of this behind-the-scenes magic? Regardless, share your views in the comments.
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