In this engaging conversation, Emma Hayes, the head coach of the US Women's National Team and former Chelsea champion, discusses her ambitions for the team's future. She emphasizes the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering a winning culture. The hosts also dive into Naomi Girma's groundbreaking transfer to Chelsea for $1.1 million, debating its implications for NWSL player retention. With a growing trend of players like Jenna Nighswonger moving to Europe, the competitive landscape of women's soccer is evolving rapidly.
Emma Hayes emphasizes the importance of building relationships with players during the January camp to evaluate their potential effectively.
The podcast highlights the trend of NWSL players transferring to the WSL, prompting discussions on how the NWSL can adapt to retain talent.
Hayes recognizes the challenges of coaching the USWNT while fostering a winning mentality and nurturing individual player growth for future success.
Deep dives
Exciting Offseason and Season Kickoff
The hosts celebrate their return after a brief hiatus, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the upcoming season of Football W. They reflect on a recent trip to London, where they enjoyed interviewing players and attending a significant match, highlighting the camaraderie and connections formed over dinner with former teammates. This offseason has been marked by enjoyable family holidays and personal growth, fueling their enthusiasm for diving back into discussions about women’s football. The episode is set to explore significant developments, including an exclusive interview with U.S. Women's National Team head coach Emma Hayes and the implications of player transfers on league dynamics.
Emma Hayes on Team Dynamics and Young Players
Emma Hayes expresses her anticipation for the upcoming January camp, emphasizing its significance in evaluating the broader player pool ahead of upcoming international competitions. She addresses the challenges of assessing players in a compressed time frame and emphasizes the importance of building relationships and understanding each player’s potential. Hayes also shares her insights on the transition young players face between club and international play, encouraging them to stay focused and consistent in their performances. The camp presents an opportunity for young talents to earn their spots, as Hayes prioritizes establishing a solid foundation for the team moving forward.
The Importance of Club Football
Hayes elaborates on the lessons learned from her extensive experience in club football and how they translate to her current role as an international coach. She discusses the importance of consistent daily habits among players, from their training to recovery and nutrition routines, in shaping a successful team. By emphasizing the holistic development of players and demanding high standards, she reinforces the significance of every player's contribution to the collective success of the team. Hayes aims to instill a winning mentality while simultaneously nurturing the individual growth of her players, recognizing that the competitive landscape is rapidly evolving.
High Expectations and Maintaining Motivation
Hayes addresses the inherent pressures and high expectations associated with coaching the U.S. Women's National Team, acknowledging the challenges players face after achieving significant victories. She conveys her belief in the talent pool available and emphasizes that motivation should stem naturally from the players’ passion for the badge. Hayes remains determined to keep the program challenging and attentive to the players' needs, ensuring that they feel accountable and driven to succeed. She confidently expresses her readiness to lead the team while inspiring players to push their limits and explore their potential within the evolving landscape of women's football.
The Growing Influence of the WSL and Player Transfers
The podcast discusses the growing trend of NWSL players transferring to the WSL, highlighting the implications of this shift for women's football in the United States. Players like Naomi Gurma breaking transfer records signifies not only their individual success but also the increasing investment in women's soccer globally. Hayes acknowledges the necessity for the NWSL to adapt and innovate to retain top talent, emphasizing the importance of creating competitive and appealing environments. As more American players experience success abroad, the conversation shifts to how leagues can evolve while maintaining their status as leading platforms for female athletes.
Alexis Nunez & Ali Krieger discuss USWNT's January training camp and what we can expect from this team this year. Also, USWNT manager, Emma Hayes sits down with Ali to talk about her goals with USWNT going forward in her career. Plus, the crew break down Naomi Girma signing with Chelsea for a record breaking transfer fee and argue whether it was the right fit for the right back to move to England? Also, more NWSL stars such as Jenna Nighswonger and Crystal Dunn move to Europe and leaves the question should the NWSL be worried more players will leave the league in the future?