After a disappointing showing at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that saw the United States Women’s National Team eliminated earlier than ever before, the USWNT was in need of a new manager with team parting ways with former manager Vlatko Andonovski. And it sounds like the team has its next coach.
According to a report from Joseph Lowery of Backheeled, the United States Women’s National Team is set to hire Chelsea manager Emma Hayes as its next manager.
“Hayes, 47, is one of the most well-respected managers in the women’s game and has had immense success with Chelsea in the FA Women’s Super League. Chelsea announced that she will continue with the club until the end of the WSL season,” Lowery wrote for Backheeled on Saturday.
“A source tells Backheeled that there is a possibility Hayes will join the USWNT during international breaks between now and then before taking over full-time.”
It’s pretty big news about the future of the team, and the sports world had a lot to say about it on social media as a result.
Genuinely shocked that US Soccer didn't stay within their network or just do a nepotism. Not only that, they made an excellent hire!!! https://t.co/gVZNSGjvaA
— local bIogger (@fergoe) November 4, 2023
INCREDIBLE HIRE! https://t.co/07LSlfKXs8
— Mike Ryan (Ruiz) 🙌🏽 (@MichaelRyanRuiz) November 4, 2023
One of the best people I've had the privilege to interview. Talks about how working in the United States shaped her. Absolute slam dunk hire for the USWNT https://t.co/RALQ3ebQQU
— Chris Wittyngham (@ChrisWittyngham) November 4, 2023
One of the greatest people in the game. Love this hire if true. https://t.co/bZZKNds8Sw
— Anthony DiCicco (@DiCiccoMethod) November 4, 2023
👀 The best case scenario, out of left field?
(or what felt like it 3 hours ago) #USWNT https://t.co/QvxMQlSyY8
— Megan Swanick (@Meg_Swanick) November 4, 2023
WE’RE BACK?????? https://t.co/6FoCi39Dzc
— whitney medworth (@its_whitney) November 4, 2023
For a long time, the USWNT was by far the most dominant team in international women’s soccer. We’ll see if Hayes can help get them back to that point.