The US women’s national soccer team coach Emma Hayes is feeling great leading the team, she said after leading the US women to a record fifth Olympic gold medal two months after taking over. USA prevailed over Brazil 1-0 in the final of the Olympics in Paris yesterday.
Emma Hayes, who is the former manager of Chelsea’s women’s team, succeeded Vlatko Andonovski as the USA coach in May after the squad’s worst performance at last year’s World Cup and a round of 16 exit.
“Sometimes we look at setbacks as something that shouldn’t happen, but I feel the exact opposite. I think Vlatko has created a group of players who might not have been ready at the World Cup, but coaching takes time. I believe , that I came at the right time. Some of my best friends are on the coaching staff. At times I felt light and it’s not about the weight of expectations, but I won’t let it to suffocate me”, commented Emma Hayes after the final clash with Brazil.
The British-born Emma Hayes added that she was happy to repay the US with a gold medal after all the opportunities her country had given her.
“America means more to me than many people realize. I was 21 years old and I came from a society that didn’t embrace women’s football. The USA opened doors for me and gave me opportunities that England never gave me. I’m very happy to pay back for this faith”, said the 47-year-old coach.
