Hayes Eyes Strong Finish vs. Japan, Praises Denver’s Soccer Boom

Hayes Eyes Strong Finish vs. Japan, Praises Denver’s Soccer Boom

Emma Hayes, the new coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, is gearing up for the final match against Japan in their April series. She’s also taking time to soak in the vibrant soccer scene in Denver, a city that has clearly made a strong impression on her.

Hayes expressed her excitement about the city’s enthusiastic reception of women’s soccer. “I remember watching the game at home and thinking this is just another extraordinary moment for women’s soccer,” she said. Denver’s Summit, the local NWSL team, kicked off its season with a massive crowd of 63,000 fans, a number that Hayes finds inspiring.

Her connection to Denver runs deep, as it was the site of her very first game as coach. “I remember being so nervous,” Hayes recalled. “Like you don’t know how you’re going to be received as a new coach.” The city’s warm welcome, both literally and figuratively, made a lasting impact, setting a standard for how she wants soccer to feel in the country.

Hayes plans to stay in Denver for another week, intending to attend the Summit’s upcoming game against San Diego. She also hopes to explore the area more, though she humorously noted that the ski season is over, dashing her hopes of taking her son sledging in the snow.

Focus on Process Against Japan

When asked about the importance of ending the series with a win after splitting the first two games, Hayes emphasized her focus on the team’s development. “Coaches want this situation, players want this situation.

Jeopardy at stake. So, yeah, of course we want to win the game,” she stated.

Hayes used a “Michelin star chefs” analogy to explain the complexity of building a high-performing team. “Having a menu of extraordinary value with a recipe book behind it is not as easy to put together as we think,” she explained. The goal is to continuously improve every aspect of the team’s performance, from the “appetizers” to the “dessert,” and the “service that underpins” it all.

She believes in obsessing over the process, not just the outcome, to ensure progress 18 months out from a major tournament. “Do I think I saw some things that improved from game one to game two? Yes.

Are there clear work ons? Yes.

Is the standard and expectation high for tomorrow? Yeah, absolutely,” Hayes confirmed.

The coach stressed that her primary request is for the team to get “one day closer” to achieving their ultimate goals. This means focusing on incremental improvements and learning from each experience, even if it means facing challenging conditions like potential snow in Denver.

Lindsey Horan’s Impact and Japan’s Strengths

Hayes also spoke about the anticipated impact of Lindsey Horan’s return to the NWSL in July. “Bringing the US women’s national team captain back from a top European team to a home market where mom and dad get to watch her play, which I know she’s so excited about,” Hayes said.

She believes Horan’s return signifies a positive trend for the league. “Players are choosing to come to the NWSL.

Yes, there’s a more competitive marketplace, and the financial parameters are more in line with what the top players earn in Europe. So, that’s a win for the NWSL,” Hayes noted.

Horan is expected to bring a high level of professionalism and competitiveness. “Lindsey’s no passenger ever. She is so ultra competitive.

She will want to drive that team as a leader in the way that she does every day,” Hayes added. Her presence is seen as a way to “lift the league and the sport up in this country.”

Addressing the Japanese team, Hayes expressed deep respect for their technical skill and tactical discipline. “Traditionally against the United States, you would see Japan dominant in possession, United States dominant in counter-attack. I think the roles have reversed,” she observed.

Hayes specifically praised Japan’s defense. “Defensively, I think Japan are the best team in the world.

I think the compact 4-4-2, the way they back press together, the way they read the triggers to do those things, the way they defend the box, exceptional,” she stated. She highlighted their versatility and flexibility, always with the aim to win.

Leadership Changes and Coaching Philosophy

Hayes also commented on the recent departure of Matt Crocker, the former U.S. Soccer Sporting Director who brought her to the country. “Matt Crocker is the best boss I’ve ever had by a country mile. A visionary,” Hayes said, acknowledging his significant belief in her.

She credited Crocker with laying a strong foundation for the federation, including structures to support various national teams. “Matt has played a key role in putting in place a structure that wasn’t there before in its entirety,” Hayes explained. She expressed confidence in the current leadership and contingency plans, ensuring business as usual for the WNT.

Reflecting on her own coaching journey over the past year, Hayes reiterated her commitment to developing talent while also aiming for immediate success. “I’m a developer of talent. I believe in the combination of winning for today and tomorrow and creating development opportunities,” she said.

Hayes highlighted the need to develop younger players, noting that U.S. U-23 players are among the most underdeveloped at the elite level globally. She sees challenges like COVID and other factors that have hindered progression for younger age groups. “We have to lean into doing this, otherwise the gap will grow,” she warned.

When asked about environments that support women leaders, Hayes argued that the divide is often artificial. “Most women who are coaching, you’re coaching men anyway. I’ve 20 male staff on our staff every day.

Like it’s just listen, you’re coaching human beings. Like that that’s the reality,” she stated.

She believes the question of why more women aren’t in top coaching roles needs to be directed at ownership groups and sporting directors, not just coaches. “We create that divide and separation, I think, to keep women away from it,” Hayes concluded.

The U.S. Women’s National Team will play their final match against Japan, aiming to finish the series on a high note and continue their preparations for future tournaments.

Source: Emma Hayes Previews Last of Three April Matches vs. Japan (YouTube)