Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes has brushed off speculation linking her with the vacant U.S. women’s national team job, saying her only focus is on the Blues.
Hayes has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Vlatko Andonovski, who resigned this week after the USWNT crashed out of the World Cup in the last 16.
Hayes is one of the most successful women’s coaches in English history, having won 15 trophies with Chelsea including six Women’s Super League titles.
The 46-year-old also has familiarity with the U.S. after coaching the Chicago Red Stars from 2008 to 2010, when the team was a member of the WPS. She also served as technical director for the Western New York Flash.
But ahead of the new WSL season, Hayes attempted to distance herself from talk that she could be a candidate to replace Andonovski.
Speaking to reporters at the FIFA Women’s Football Convention in Sydney on Friday, Hayes was asked about the USWNT role.
“I’m very happy at Chelsea,” Hayes said. “I’ve made that clear. I’ve been there for 11 years, it’s my home. I think the U.S. has wonderful players and perhaps the tournament didn’t go the way they wanted but my focus is on getting home and preparing the team for the start of the season.”
Former assistant Twila Kilgore has stepped in as USWNT interim head coach, with U.S. Soccer conducting a search for Andonovski’s permanent replacement.
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