It is looking increasingly likely that the USA Women’s National Team are going to appoint Chelsea manager Emma Hayes OBE as their new head coach, according to sources quoted in the media.
On Saturday, Chelsea released a statement after their 6-0 win at Aston Villa, announcing that Emma Hayes would be leaving the club at the end of the season to pursue a new opportunity outside of club football.
ESPN have reported that the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Board of Directors have approved the hiring of Emma Hayes, with the news being confirmed to them on Saturday.
The Athletic have said that Hayes’ contract will be, in financial terms, a record for Women’s Football.
The potential move would represent a return to the country where she began her managerial career, as the coach of Chicago Red Stars in 2008.
The United States Women’s National team have been widely renowned as one of the most successful sides in the game.
They have won more World Cups (four) than any other national women’s team, but they only managed to reach the last 16 of this year’s tournament, which was their earliest ever exit from the competition.
If the move is confirmed, Hayes would replace interim manager, Twila Kilgore, who has been in charge since Vlatko Andonovski’s departure after the World Cup in August.
Hayes joined Chelsea in 2012 and will leave behind a legacy of success and trophies that have been a constant during her 12 year tenure.
In the statement released by Chelsea, Co-Sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “There will be plenty of time to celebrate Emma’s many achievements at the club and to give her the farewell she deserves but… Emma will be solely focused on making this season as successful as possible for Chelsea.”
Hayes will look to close this chapter of her career with a fifth consecutive WSL title, whilst also eyeing European success with The Blues for the first time.
