14 November 2023 , 21:33
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Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has been appointed as the new head coach for the United States Women's National Team.
Hayes announced earlier this month that she would be stepping down from her role as head coach at Chelsea. The 47-year-old first took over the club in 2012 and has won six Women's Super League titles.
The USWNT was looking for a new manager after the exit of former head coach Vlatko Andonovski. The country was knocked out of the Women's World Cup back in August in the round of 16 at the hands of Sweden in a penalty shootout.
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Hayes will remain in charge at Chelsea until the conclusion of the 2023/24 WSL season. In an announcement made by the US Soccer Federation on Tuesday, Hayes will formally take on the role in 2024 before the start of the Olympics in Paris.
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After being confirmed as the next manager of the USWNT, Hayes expressed her delight at a lifelong dream being accomplished. The six-time WSL Manager of the Season went on to explain why she decided to take on the role and move into international management after more than a decade in charge at Chelsea.
“This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history,” said Hayes, via the US Soccer official website.
“The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true.
"I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels. To get there, it will require dedication, devotion, and collaboration from the players, staff, and everyone at the U.S. Soccer Federation.”
US Soccer also confirmed that Twila Kilgore will be the interim head coach of the USWNT until Hayes officially enters the role next summer. After Hayes begins her new job, Kilgore will then remain part of the backroom staff as assistant manager.
Emma Hayes will take charge of the USWNT for the Paris 2024 Olympics (Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone explained what sets Hayes apart as being one of the best coaches in world football, and why there is a great deal of excitement moving forward.
“Emma is a fantastic leader and world class coach who sets high standards for herself and for everyone around her,” the US Soccer President said. “She has tremendous energy and an insatiable will to win.
"Her experience in the USA, her understanding of our soccer landscape, and her appreciation of what it means to coach this team makes her a natural fit for this role and we could not be more pleased to have her leading our Women’s National Team forward.”