Why Emma Hayes & USWNT are a ‘perfect marriage’ – with World Cup winner Heather O’Reilly hoping to avoid putting ‘jinx’ on exciting squad

Hayes took the helm in the USA after winning seven WSL titles with Chelsea and has already led her new side to 4-0 and 3-0 friendly wins over South Korea as they gear up for this summer's Olympics in Paris. Her start has caught the eye of a former World Cup winner in Heather O'Reilly.

O'Reilly told the Daily Mail: "I know it's a quick transition and [Hayes] hasn't had much time with them, but she's a winner, she's a competitor and so is the team. And so I think that it could be the perfect marriage of her coming in and this time of the national team."

Hayes has taken charge of the USWNT at a time of transition, as the nation looks to rebuild following their last-16 exit to Sweden in the 2023 World Cup. The likes of Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis have all retired from the international game, as Hayes looks to bring forward the next generation of talent.

O'Reilly added on the new era: "People are flying on all cylinders.'Things are kind of like, I don't want to jinx it, but things are in a pretty good place. People seem to be sharp, scoring goals in a lot of different ways, Good variety. So I think they're in a good place and I'm looking forward to it."

All eyes on are this summer's Olympic tournament in Paris, where the U.S. have been drawn against Zambia, Germany and Australia in Group B. Hayes' side face warm-up matches against Mexico and Costa Rica before their tournament opener on July 25.