Emma Hayes is now the coach of the U.S. women’s national team, but she hasn’t started her new job yet. She’s been working behind the scenes as the team ends a rough year and looks forward to a busy 2024.

Hayes is teaching Chelsea in the Women’s Super League right now. She won’t be back in the US until May, which is not long before the US plays in the Paris Olympics.

Last week, she went to see the team as they got ready for two practice games against China. In the first game, which took place on Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the U.S. beat the Steel Roses 3-0. The second game will take place in Frisco, Texas, on Tuesday.

Hayes’ new point of view is good, especially since Sweden beat the US in the Women’s World Cup this summer and eliminated them from the tournament. The four-time World Cup winners lost in the Round of 16 for the first time ever.

Edger Emily Fox said, “I think we’ll learn a lot from her and she’ll learn a lot from us.”

Hayes talked about the team’s roster for the last two games of the year with temporary coach Twila Kilgore and U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker. The U.S. didn’t bring Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, or Alyssa Naeher with them because they wanted to try out some younger players.

“To be honest, we’ve been saying that this camp is kind of starting over because of the World Cup and everything.” After Saturday’s game, forward Trinity Rodman said, “It was great to meet Emma and have new, younger people in camp.” “I believe it’s just getting to know each other, making a name for ourselves, and following through on a plan.”

Defender Naomi Girma agreed with the idea that Hayes’s coming is like a new start.

“We think we know where we’re going.” It’s now very clear what we’re working toward. “I think we’re just excited to get started with her,” Girma said.

Because the Americans didn’t do very well at the Women’s World Cup, U.S. Soccer fired coach Vlatko Andonovski. He put Kilgore, one of his assistants, in charge as temporary coach. Hayes was put in charge last month.

Because Hayes has to work for Chelsea, Kilgore’s job will last a little longer than planned. On the other hand, Kilgore will stay on as Hayes’ assistant.

“There’s a sense of belonging, and the group is excited to get back together and include some of the new players,” Kilgore said. “And it’s also very exciting and feels very different just having Emma around.” “She’s been meeting players and getting to know them, and I’ve been taking care of day-to-day things. It’s been a good mix.”

After their games against China, the U.S. players will have a break before the start of the first women’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. After that, the Olympics in July come around. Both events will have teams from the United States.

The goal is to leave 2023 behind.

Captain Lindsey Horan said, “There’s so much talent on the team, and I don’t think the world has seen enough of it yet. We need to go out and show it; we need to be able to mesh together and show what we’re all about and how we can really work together and play together and be more of a team and be a powerhouse again.” “It will be fun to see what Hayes can do with this team and how she can help us get better going forward.”