Emma Hayes’ late father told her to take the USA job… now the former Chelsea boss is on the brink of gold medal success in Paris

Emma Hayes often thinks back to her father Sid’s last words before he passed away last year: “If you ever get the chance, you should take that job in the US.”

Time waits for no man, but few could have imagined how quickly it would fulfill his wishes.

In May, Hayes was Chelsea’s manager in their final WSL match against Manchester United. Her locker is still waiting to be unpacked and they’ve barely had time to rename her parking space at Cobham’s training ground.

But yesterday morning, with the Team USA emblem on her chest, she hosted expectant American breakfast shows in preparation for her appearance in the Olympic final against Brazil.

“The transition from my beloved Chelsea to the US national team was a whirlwind and a dream,” the 47-year-old said. “I keep thinking about London 2012, being in the crowd for the final. I will never forget that moment, sitting on the halfway line, watching the two teams line up and being with my dad. I keep seeing the Paris 2024 signs everywhere and I can’t believe that 12 years later it’s my turn.

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‘Ending my time at Chelsea with a title and competing for gold here, honestly, this is what dreams are made of. I’ve visualised this moment so many times.’

Chelsea may be an unforgiving environment, but it doesn’t compare to the insatiable hunger for success in the United States. Since they won the first Women’s World Cup in 1991, winning has been their only currency.

Team USA hasn’t won gold at the Olympics since Hayes watched in 2012. They lost in the round of 16 at last year’s World Championships, and Hayes needs to get to work rebuilding quickly.

“Nothing is permanent in life,” she said. “The reality is that there is a global game where many teams are capable of winning at the highest level. The days of one team dominating are over. Sometimes expectations are unrealistic.

“We want to create our new history, our new heights and our new identity. It’s been a hell of a ride so far.”

Hayes was present with her father when the US last won gold in London in 2012

All her words were spoken with a grin. This is a team that hit rock bottom last year and Hayes wants bigger smiles and celebrations. On the eve of the final, she even organised a karaoke night to help take the pressure off.

“Let’s relax and enjoy it because we’re playing a game that everyone has worked their whole lives for,” she added.