Emma Hayes, the newly appointed coach of the U.S. women's national team (USWNT) and current Chelsea Women's manager, has sparked controversy with her remarks on intrasquad relationships, deeming both player-to-coach and player-to-player relationships as 'inappropriate'. Her comments, made during a press conference, have stirred discussions within the Women's Super League (WSL) and beyond, highlighting the evolving professional dynamics of women's soccer. The issue has also led to a public disagreement within her own team, as Chelsea Women's player Jess Carter showed disapproval by liking a tweet criticizing Hayes' stance. This incident underscores the broader debate on the professional boundaries in sports as the women's game transitions from amateur to professional status.
Jess Carter likes tweet criticising Emma Hayes' views on player relationships https://t.co/x2XxYNvFlg
All 12 WSL managers were asked about player-manager relationships. Chelsea manager Emma Hayes also brought up the challenges presented by player-to-player relationships. You can read their responses below: @TheAthleticFC @jessyjph @ArtdeRoche https://t.co/JEM0tbzA5E
This is perfect for new coach Emma Hayes. Resurrection, reclamation, and revenge narrative in the offing when she takes over the #USWNT. 🇺🇸⚽️ https://t.co/kP7Wpz2f7x
Emma Hayes, the incoming coach of the U.S. women's national team, said player-to-player and player-coach relationships on teams are “inappropriate.” https://t.co/k8yu63cwnO
Chelsea Women storm as Jess Carter likes tweet calling Emma Hayes ‘bonkers’ for criticising relationship with team-mate https://t.co/Ju0KOmoFaR https://t.co/Ju0KOmoFaR
Intrasquad relationships are ‘inappropriate’ says incoming USWNT boss Emma Hayes https://t.co/8LMuLODyvL
Relationships between team-mates are often celebrated in the women's game but Emma Hayes believes that they are “inappropriate” despite their widespread presence Read more 🔽 https://t.co/Agi0B7b3cx
Chelsea Women’s manager Emma Hayes believes player-coach and player to player relationships are “inappropriate”. "One of the important things to talk about is the women's game is shifting from an amateur into a pro game." @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/IIfVoKEpKQ
“Player to coach relationships are inappropriate, player to player relationships are inappropriate” Emma Hayes in her press conference just now. I expect the second part of that quote might raise a few eyebrows considering how many player relationships we see in the WSL.