'I'm in love with my job every day' - USWNT head coach Emma Hayes lauds 'perfect' role, admits she felt 'stuck' in Chelsea

One year into her tenure as USWNT coach, Emma Hayes spoke extensively on Tuesday about the role, calling it a "perfect" fit. The former Chelsea boss admitted that her previous job was constraining at times, and that her role with the U.S. has allowed her to focus on learning more about the game and building relationships as she hopes to take the program forward ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Hayes was named USWNT coach in November 2023, but didn't officially start the job until May 2024, after leading Chelsea to a WSL title.

"The truth is I'm in love with my job every day, and then with the development that comes with that," she said in a news conference after announcing her 24-player squad for a pair of upcoming friendlies. "I didn't realize how sort of stuck I'd become until I'd gotten out of that, and the self development that's gone on for me, on a personal level, has just what I needed."

Hayes, who led the USWNT to the 2024 Olympic goal medal in just her 10th game in charge, hailed her current role, now 12 months into her tenure, saying she feels reenergized.

"I've absolutely loved having the time between camps to focus so many different leadership programs, not just like formal but sometimes informal gatherings with other head coaches," she said. "I never really got as much time as I wanted to do that before, so from that perspective, I'm absolutely loving it. Also, I'm loving learning again - a new culture, a new player pool and everything that comes with that.

"I feel new to it, but not really, because it's something I'm so familiar with. I felt knowing America has been really useful from my perspective, and I haven't felt like I don't know, because I understand the landscape and the football landscape. It's been a lot easier. I think right now, I'm in the headspace of working on '27, the plan for to qualify for '27. But also within that, why those missing gaps are there, not just in our program but in our sport. I'm all about closing the gap, but how we can help support all areas of the sport. I'm in my perfect job and I'm absolutely loving it"

Hayes has named a strong squad for a duo of friendlies with China and Jamaica due to take place at the end of the month. Naomi Girma has returned to the roster, while Emily Fox and Cat Macario are also in the mix. Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson and Mal Swanson all remain out.

The U.S. will play two fixtures at the end of the month. The first is a clash with China in St. Paul, Minnesota on May 31. After that, they take on Jamaica in St. Louis June 3.