Sporting director Matt Crocker has acknowledged that the delayed start for new USWNT boss Emma Hayes poses a challenge.
Despite the complications surrounding Hayes’ current status with the U.S. team, Crocker expressed hope that the new head coach would be able to visit the squad in Florida next week.
The U.S. will play two international friendlies against China PR in December to conclude the calendar year. Despite the delay, the USSF is willing to wait for Hayes to assume her role.
Hayes is a perfect hire for the USWNT, and the terms of her contract ensures an amicable departure from her beloved Chelsea, making it an ideal scenario.
Despite the delay, the 47-year-old manager will be on the touchline for at least four games before her first major tournament with the national team at the Paris Olympics. However, a downside is that Hayes won’t be on the bench with her squad for any matches played from January until the end of the WSL season in 2024.
Crocker describes Hayes’ delayed start ‘not ideal’
“It’s not ideal Emma can’t start with us right away. But from my perspective, what was important is that we’ve got the best candidate for the long term rather than wrong candidate for short term,” he said.
The USSF Sporting Director Matt Crocker added: “We’re just again working to final details around her schedule… it would be an ideal situation for her to come and meet the players and staff and we’re very hopeful that that can happen.”
The current Chelsea boss will see out the WSL season with the Blues before officially joining the USWNT permanently in 2024. Chelsea will resume action on Thursday in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Paris FC. Meanwhile, the U.S. has unveiled the November camp roster in preparation for a pair of December friendlies against China PR.
