The back-and-forth between Emma Hayes and her critics seems never-ending this Olympic season. Critics question why Hayes does not make many rotations to her squad. Moreover, she keeps on iterating she wants to enhance the chemistry between her core group of USWNT players. Her statement after USA’s win against Germany was the most iconic. “I don’t want them to be better. Truthfully. I want them to suffer,” said Hayes, highlighting her aim is to ensure that the USWNT players thrive well in harsh circumstances.

While many wonder why the British coach is physically wearing out her players, USWNT veteran Carli Lloyd thinks it is the right thing to do. Lloyd took to X and shared an article that contains Emma Hayes’ statement on making her players suffer.

“It’s a psychological battle when you get into tournaments. While you all think you are experts, you’ve completely missed the point. Emma is hardening this team to be tough and find the point past exhaustion and fatigue,” Lloyd wrote on X, defending Emma Hayes’ management.

The two-time World champion approves Hayes’ hard methods because it is paramount that players don’t end up complaining about fixture congestion. Carli Lloyd has always been an advocate for players in learning things the hard way. Earlier, she said it would be a “stretch” for the USWNT to win the Olympic gold, considering most players do not have the fuel to last such a rigorous tournament. However, Team USA is a game away from the Olympic gold, and Lloyd has backtracked understandably.

Now, let’s see how Emma Hayes has convinced her players to go all in with their effort and why she is doing the same.

Inside Emma Hayes’ unique player management that toughens the USWNT squad

Before the USWNT started preparing for the semi-final with Germany, Emma Hayes introduced the squad to the ultramarathon runner, Courtney Dauwalter. She is known for the technique of creating “pain caves” in her mind at a point when one can’t physically keep going. According to Dauwalter, the point of building pain caves is to boost one’s brain to search for opportunities to end physical exhaustion.

Trinity Rodman scoring at the death, against Japan, and Sophia Smith scoring in extra time against Germany are perhaps examples of the US stars mastering the famous “pain cave” technique.

Likewise, coach Hayes believes her players won’t succeed on big stages if they don’t effectively outmaneuver physical challenges and exhaustion.

“I want them to suffer. I want them to have that moment. ’Cause I do not believe you can win without it,” said Emma Hayes. She also added her player management methods are her way of understanding who in the USWNT remains capable, of thriving under pressure. What do you think of her methods? Do let us know in the comments.