‘I turn good players into great players and great teams into champions’ is a famous quote by soccer legend and manager José Mourinho that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Emma Hayes’ managerial career. After winning Olympic gold with the USWNT in such a short time, Hayes reveals that she has a few tricks up her sleeve that have played a significant role in her success.

Looking at her impressive trophy cabinet accumulated over her two-decade career, it’s safe to say that Emma Hayes certainly knows what she’s doing. With a win percentage of 65.34%, she’s won more than half of the matches her teams have played. Speaking in the latest episode of ‘Laughter Permitted with Julie Foudy’, the USMNT manager reveals one special exercise she’s done in the national dressing room. 

“We did this thing called the trust wall, and what I did is I shared with the players, 5 key moments that changed my life and most importantly, what those key moments said about me,” said Hayes who talked about her journey of becoming a mother and the immense effort she put in, which deeply resonated with the players. 

“And I got them to do it, and there were plenty of moments, there were tears in the room and people having to fight back tears because once they saw the vulnerabilities in each other, I mean that was one exercise!” added Hayes, who mentions that she did this exercise ahead of their Paris 2024 Olympics campaign, and it ultimately paid off. 

Being a great manager aside, Emma Hayes has also become somewhat of a motherly figure to her players, many of whom she shares close personal bonds with. Now as she returns to Wembley for their friendly against England, the venue holds dear to her, as it once hosted her several accolades. But during her time at Stamford Bridge, she did more than just manage a club. 

How an Emma Hayes phone call saved a life!

Former England and Chelsea player, Karen Carney mentions how a phone call from Emma Hayes helped her during a difficult time when she was struggling with depression due to online abuse. In an interview with ‘The Guardian’, Carney reveals that the phone call with the ex-Chelsea boss was a much-needed wake-up call for her.

Another Chelsea forward, Fran Kirby previously mentioned how Hayes’ presence helped her when she was suffering from severe depression after the loss of her mother and a career-threatening illness in her late 20s. These are just a few instances where Hayes has been there for her players, many of which will never see the light of day. 

Her on-field tactics, paired with her off-field presence, explain why she is considered one of the best managers of all time. As her side prepares for the battle at Wembley, Hayes’ has set her eyes on bigger targets, which she will achieve without a doubt.