Emma Hayes: The Greatest Manager In The History Of The WSL
Emma Hayes has etched her name in the annals of football history, becoming synonymous with success and innovation in the Women’s Super League (WSL). Her career, spanning over two decades, is a testament to her unparalleled expertise and unyielding determination.
From her early days in coaching to her current reign at Chelsea FC Women, Hayes has consistently demonstrated her ability to elevate teams to unprecedented heights.
Emma Hayes is not just a manager; she is a pioneer in women’s football. Her influence extends beyond the pitch, contributing significantly to the sport’s growing popularity and professionalism.
By breaking barriers and setting new standards, Hayes has played an instrumental role in shaping the future of women’s football, inspiring countless young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Emma Hayes was born in Camden, London and her love for football was evident from a young age. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, she developed a deep affinity for the game, often playing with her brothers and friends. This early exposure nurtured her passion and laid the foundation for her future career.
Hayes’ coaching journey began in the United States, where she worked with Long Island Lady Riders and Iona College. These formative experiences provided her with invaluable insights into the intricacies of coaching and management.
Emma Hayes credits Pia Sundhage and Tony DiCicco as her mentors who played vital roles in shaping her coaching philosophy. Hayes’ philosophy emphasizes tactical acumen and player development.
Rise to Prominence in the WSL
Emma Hayes took the helm at Chelsea FC Women in 2012. Her tenure marked the beginning of a transformative era for the London club. Hayes’ appointment signalled a new direction, with an emphasis on building a team capable of competing at the highest levels.
The talented manager faced numerous challenges in her early years at Chelsea, including rebuilding the squad and instilling a winning mentality. Her relentless pursuit of excellence soon paid off, as the team began to achieve significant breakthroughs. Unsurprisingly Chelsea won their first major trophy under her leadership in 2015.
Tactical Brilliance and Coaching Philosophy
Emma Hayes is renowned for her tactical ingenuity, often deploying formations that maximize her players’ strengths.
Her ability to adapt and innovate has kept Chelsea ahead of the curve, making them a formidable force in the WSL. Whether it’s a high-pressing game or a disciplined defensive setup, Hayes’ tactical versatility is unparalleled.
One of Hayes’ core philosophies is a focus on player development. She believes in nurturing not just the technical and physical aspects of her players but also their mental and emotional well-being. This comprehensive approach fosters a positive team environment, enhancing performance and morale.
Emma Hayes Coaching Career
Emma Hayes began her coaching career with the women’s football team at Liverpool Hope from 1997 to 1999 while she was a student. She then moved to London to develop youth players at Croydon and Crystal Palace.
In 2002, Emma Hayes became the manager of the Long Island Lady Riders in New York, becoming the youngest coach in the league. Her team finished first in their division and she was named coach of the season. Hayes then coached the Iona Gaels women’s team from 2003 to 2005.
Hayes returned to England as the assistant first-team coach for Arsenal Ladies from 2006 to 2008, winning 11 major trophies. She also served as the club’s Academy director.
In 2008, she managed the Chicago Red Stars until 2010 and later became a technical director at Western New York Flash, advising on transfers. Emma Hayes helped the team win the 2011 championship.
After a consulting stint with Washington Freedom, she worked for her family’s currency exchange business. In August 2012, Hayes was hired by Chelsea as manager, following Matt Beard’s resignation. She won her first match with Chelsea on August 18, 2012, with a 1-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Building a Dynasty With Chelsea
After narrowly missing out on the 2014 WSL title, Emma Hayes overhauled the Chelsea squad. She brought in players like Hedvig Lindahl, Millie Bright, Marija Banusic, Gemma Davison, and Niamh Fahey. She also signed Fran Kirby for a British record fee.
After coming short of winning the title the previous season, Emma Hayes led Chelsea to a historic league and cup double. Her Chelsea squad won the FA Cup Final with a goal from Ji So-yun and secured the WSL title after defeating Sunderland 4–0.
In the Women’s Champions League, Chelsea reached the last 16 but were eliminated by VfL Wolfsburg. The defeat prompted Emma Hayes to criticize The Football Association for poor fixture scheduling. She claimed it favoured the French, German, and Swedish teams.
Emma Hayes’ Chelsea FC Women finished second in The FA WSL, trailing Champions Manchester City by five points. However, they reached the FA Cup Final for the second consecutive year before narrowly losing 1-0 to Arsenal.
Chelsea clinched victory in the FA WSL Spring Series under Hayes’ leadership, edging past Manchester City on goal difference. In recognition of her contributions to football, Emma Hayes was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 Birthday Honours.
To bolster the squad, Emma Hayes added new talents like Ramona Bachmann, Maren Mjelde, Erin Cuthbert, and Crystal Dunn to the squad. With these new additions, Hayes guided Chelsea to the top spot in the reorganized FA WSL, securing victory on goal difference.
Although Chelsea put in a strong showing in the FA Cup, reaching the semi-finals, they were ultimately eliminated by Birmingham City in a penalty shoot-out.
Emma Hayes is an MBE
Emma Hayes undertook a significant team rebuild after the 2017–18 season, bringing in notable new recruits like Sam Kerr, Pernille Harder, Melanie Leupolz, Magda Eriksson, and Ann Katrin Berger.
This strategic move proved fruitful as her team went on to secure back-to-back WSL titles in 2019–20 and 2020–21, following a trophy-less campaign in 2018–19. Chelsea’s remarkable dominance in the 2020–21 season, both domestically and in Europe, led many to consider them one of the greatest teams in history.
Emma Hayes made history herself by becoming the first woman manager to reach the Champions League final in over a decade, However, her Chelsea team were soundly beaten 4–0 by Barcelona Femeni. Despite this setback, Hayes’ exceptional leadership was recognized with the 2020–21 FA WSL Manager of the Season award.
She further solidified her commitment to Chelsea by signing a new long-term contract, and her remarkable achievements were acknowledged with induction into the FA WSL Hall of Fame.
In January 2022, Hayes received international recognition when she was named The Best FIFA Football Coach for her outstanding performance during the 2020–21 season.
She won the award ahead of esteemed competitors Lluis Cortes and Sarina Wiegman. Her contributions to association football were further honored when she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours.
Emma Hayes’s Final Season With Chelsea
Chelsea announced on November 4, 2023, that Emma Hayes would leave the club after the ongoing season to pursue opportunities outside the WSL. Speculation arose that she would become the manager of the United States women’s national team, which was confirmed on November 14, 2023.
On January 21, 2024, Hayes made history by becoming the first woman to win the Football Writers Association Tribute Award.
During the season, Chelsea lost to Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Women’s League Cup final, with Hayes seen shoving Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall afterwards. She attributed this to his “unacceptable male aggression” during an altercation with Erin Cuthbert.
To send her off, Chelsea won their fifth consecutive WSL title under Hayes’ leadership on the last day of the season. The victory provided her with a beautiful and triumphant exit from the club.
Key Achievements and Milestones
Under Hayes’ stewardship, Chelsea FC Women have amassed an impressive array of titles, including multiple WSL championships and FA Cups. These victories are a testament to her tactical acumen and leadership prowess, solidifying her status as one of the greatest managers in the sport.
Hayes has orchestrated several historic victories, including Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the 2020-2021 WSL season. These landmark achievements underscore her ability to consistently deliver results, setting new benchmarks for excellence in women’s football.
Influence on the Women’s Super League
Hayes’ influence on the WSL extends beyond her team’s success. She has been a vocal advocate for the league’s development, championing initiatives to improve player welfare, matchday experience, and overall league competitiveness. Her efforts have helped elevate the WSL to one of the premier women’s football leagues globally.
Hayes’ contributions to women’s football are profound. Her success has brought increased visibility and credibility to the sport, encouraging investment and support from various stakeholders. By setting new standards of excellence, she has inspired a new generation of female footballers and coaches.
Iconic Matches and Moments
Hayes’ career is punctuated by several iconic matches that have defined her legacy. Notable among these is Chelsea’s thrilling victory over Manchester City in the 2021 FA Cup final, a match that showcased her tactical brilliance and the indomitable spirit of her team.
Several turning points have marked Hayes’ journey, including Chelsea’s first league title in 2015 and their historic run to the UEFA Women’s Champions League final in 2021. These milestones reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and her ability to navigate the team through pivotal moments.
Leadership and Management Style
Hayes is celebrated for her ability to build a winning culture within her teams. Her leadership style emphasizes unity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of goals.
By fostering a sense of shared purpose and commitment, she has created an environment where players thrive and collective success is prioritized.
Maintaining peak performance requires meticulous planning and strategic foresight. Hayes employs a data-driven approach, leveraging analytics to inform her decisions and optimize performance.
Her attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement ensure that her teams remain competitive at the highest levels.
Player Testimonials and Relationships
Players under Hayes’ tutelage often speak highly of her impact on their careers. Stars like Fran Kirby and Sam Kerr have lauded her for her tactical insights, motivational skills, and genuine care for their development. These testimonials reflect the deep respect and admiration she commands within the team.
Hayes places great importance on building strong relationships with her players. She understands the value of trust and communication, fostering an environment where players feel supported and valued. These strong bonds translate into enhanced team cohesion and performance on the field.
Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Hayes’ journey has not been without its challenges. From battling sexism in a male-dominated industry to navigating personal health issues, she has faced numerous adversities. Her ability to overcome these hurdles speaks volumes about her resilience and determination.
In facing adversity, Hayes has developed strategies that emphasize resilience and a positive mindset. She advocates for a balanced approach to challenges, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. This resilience has been a cornerstone of her sustained success.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Hayes’ legacy in women’s football is indelible. Her achievements have set new standards, and her influence will be felt for generations to come. She has not only transformed Chelsea FC Women but also contributed significantly to the broader landscape of women’s football.
Looking ahead, Hayes’ future in the sport remains bright. Whether continuing to lead Chelsea to new heights or taking on new challenges, her passion and expertise will undoubtedly drive further success. Her potential to influence the sport extends beyond coaching, with possibilities in leadership roles within football organizations.
Personal Life of Emma Hayes
In 2023, Emma Hayes co-authored a book titled “Kill The Unicorn,” released in audio format with Hayes narrating. The book focuses more on leadership principles, drawing from her experience in high-performance management to challenge the notion of a single exceptional leader.
In 2018, Hayes experienced the loss of one of her twins at 28 weeks into her pregnancy but gave birth to the surviving twin on May 17, 2018.
Hayes acknowledges Vic Akers, former Arsenal W.F.C. manager, as a significant influence on her career, especially during their unprecedented quadruple win in the 2006–07 season. Reflecting on her coaching experience in the United States, she credits the American environment for shaping her professional journey.
Conclusion
Emma Hayes’ contributions to football are vast and varied. Her innovative tactics, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment have propelled her to the pinnacle of the sport. She has redefined what it means to be a successful manager in the WSL.
Hayes’ legacy is not confined to her trophy cabinet. Her impact on the game, her players, and the growth of women’s football is profound and enduring. As she continues to shape the future of the sport, her name will forever be synonymous with excellence and trailblazing leadership in women’s football.
