Emma Hayes: United States head coach inducted into National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame

United States boss Emma Hayes says working in international football is like “becoming a grandparent” as managers only spend short periods of time with their players.

The former Chelsea manager, speaking after being inducted into the National Football Museum’s Hall of Fame, said managing the US has been “thoroughly enjoyable”.

“It has been incredible, it really has,” said the 48-year-old. “It is like becoming a grandparent, international football. You don’t get to see them [the players] all of the time and you send them back to their parents – or their clubs – at the end of that period.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know a new set of players and working with a nation that have been really dear to me and a massive part of my development.”

Hayes added that she felt she had been “ready” for a move away from club football after a career that saw her win seven league titles with Chelsea, and said her new role allows her to “zoom out” and use her “strategic thinking” to focus on long-term solutions.

Just under three months after taking over as US manager, she led the side to a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

They also reached the final of the invitational SheBelieves Cup in February, although they were beaten 2-1 by Japan.

“I didn’t think the transition would be what it is. It’s been thoroughly enjoyable and I’m enjoying life as an international coach,” she said.

“I always felt as a club coach you’ve just got to go every three days and it’s just the next game. To have a little bit longer to think about a course to winning and how to put in place the best practices, I feel like having that time has freed me up to develop another part of myself.”