USWNT
Why hasn’t Emma Hayes made her debut as the new USWNT coach yet?
Twila Kilgore will lead the United States in two matches against China and at the first CONACAF Women’s Gold Cup in February.
The United States women’s national team will play their last two matches of a turbulent 2023 over the next few days against China. The country’s worst ever performance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which led to a slide in the world rankings, saw Vlatko Andonovski resign from his position in August, with Emma Hayes ultimately named as his successor in November. However, we’ll have to wait a little while yet to see the Chelsea manager take up her new role.
When will Emma Hayes take charge of the USWNT?
The 47-year-old has agreed a deal with U.S. Soccer which will allow her to remain in her current job until the beginning of May as she looks to finally win the Champions League, the one trophy that has eluded her during her successful stint in charge of The Blues. Once the club season has finished, Hayes will take charge of the USWNT and have three friendly games - against as yet unnamed opponents - to prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Twila Kilgore will lead the team in the upcoming double header against China and will continue in interim charge for the first edition of the women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup to be played in the United States in February. The first crucial step towards returning to the summit of international soccer.
USWNT job a “dream” for Hayes
Hayes was appointed Chelsea manager in August 2012 and has since won 15 trophies with the English club, who have become one of the top teams in Europe under her stewardship.
“This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history,” said Hayes after being appointed USWNT coach. “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 goal of winning consistently at the very highest level.”
Hayes was based stateside from 2002 to 2005 and again from 2008 to 2010, managed the Long Island Lady Riders in the USL W-League, the Iona Gaels women’s soccer team and Chicago Red Stars in the Women’s Professional Soccer league.