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

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Emma Hayes often recalls the final words from her father, Sid, before he passed away last year: ‘If you ever get the opportunity, you have to take the job with the USA.’

Time waits for nobody but few could imagine how quickly she would fulfil his wishes.

Back in May, Hayes was managing Chelsea in their final WSL match against Manchester United. Her locker is still waiting to be unpacked and they have barely had time to change the name on her parking space at the Cobham training ground. 

But yesterday morning, with the Team USA badge on her chest, she was holding court with expectant American breakfast shows, preparing to lead them into an Olympic final against Brazil.

‘Going from my beloved Chelsea to the US national team has been a whirlwind and a dream,’ said the 47-year-old. ‘I just keep thinking about London 2012, being sat in that crowd for the final. I can’t ever forget that moment, sat 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 on it’s my turn.

Emma Hayes is fulfilling her father's dying wish as she leads Team USA at the Paris Olympics

Sophia's Smith's extra-time goal against Germany has put them one game away from gold

‘To finish my time at Chelsea with a title and to be here competing for gold, honestly, this is the stuff dreams are made of. I’ve visualised this moment so many times.’

Chelsea can be an unforgiving environment, but it does not compare to the insatiable appetite for success in the United States. Ever since they clinched the inaugural Women’s World Cup in 1991, winning has been their only currency. 

Team USA have not won gold at the Olympics since the day Hayes watched on in 2012. They lost in the round of 16 at last year’s World Cup and Hayes has got to work quickly on a rebuild.

‘Nothing’s permanent in life,’ she said. ‘The reality is there’s a global game where plenty of teams are capable of winning at the highest level. Gone are the days of a single team dominating. Sometimes the 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 in attendance with her dad when the USA last secured gold at London in 2012 

All of her words were delivered 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 set up a karaoke night to deal with the pressure.

‘Let’s relax and enjoy it because we’re playing in a game that everybody has worked their entire lives for,’ she added.