Emma Hayes, former Chelsea Women’s manager and current USA Women’s National Team coach, has opened up about her bittersweet departure from Chelsea and the exhilaration of her new role across the Atlantic.
After over a decade of unparalleled success, Hayes made the emotional decision to step down, ending her Chelsea tenure on a high with a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title.
In a candid interview, Hayes reflected on the toll of her final months at Chelsea.
“I didn’t realize how challenging it would be to manage everything—the expectations, the press—while staying focused on the title race,” Hayes said.
Her departure was marked by a 6-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, a fitting finale that secured Chelsea’s seventh league title under her leadership.
“To do it at Sir Alex Ferguson’s old stomping ground, in front of the fans, was an emotional moment I’ll never forget.”
Now coaching the USA to Olympic gold within her first three months on the job, Hayes is thriving in her new role. “I felt a new lease on life,” she shared, describing the transition to a new culture and set of challenges. Hayes quickly made an impact, leading a star-studded team, including Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, to glory in Paris. The achievement, she said, was the culmination of years of hard work and preparation. “We came together at the right moment. It was a magical summer that will stay with us forever.”
Despite the move, Hayes remains deeply connected to Chelsea. “I’ll always love the club,” she admitted, expressing joy at seeing the team flourish under new manager Sonia Bompastor. “Chelsea looks fantastic this season, and I couldn’t be happier for them. It’s wonderful to see someone else build on the foundation we created.”
