United States women’s national team boss Emma Hayes, one of the most successful figures in women’s football, has made headlines with her assertion that the men’s game is “not ready” to appoint female managers at the highest level. The 47-year-old former Chelsea manager, who recently took over the U.S. job after a stellar run with Chelsea Women, reflected on the challenges that still exist for women breaking into managerial roles in men’s football, particularly in top-tier leagues.
A Groundbreaking Career
Hayes’ comments come from a position of immense experience and success in the world of football. During her time as head coach of Chelsea Women, she won seven Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, including five consecutive championships. Under her leadership, Chelsea Women became a dominant force, clinching multiple domestic titles and consistently competing at the highest levels in European football.
Her departure from Chelsea at the end of the 2024 season to take up the reins of the U.S. national team marked the end of a golden era for the club, but Hayes remains committed to driving success in football, particularly in the international women’s game. Despite her accomplishments, Hayes remains pragmatic about the barriers still facing women in men’s football management.
The Struggle for Female Managers in Men’s Football
Despite the steady progress women have made in football, Hayes believes the men’s game is not yet ready to fully embrace female managers. While Hannah Dingley broke barriers by becoming the caretaker manager of Forest Green Rovers in 2023, no woman has ever been appointed permanently as the manager of a men’s team in English football. Dingley’s short stint highlighted both the opportunity and the limitations women face in men’s football management.
Hayes argues that, while women have proven their competence and ability in coaching and leadership, societal and cultural shifts are still necessary for widespread acceptance in the men’s game. “We’re not there yet,” she stated, referring to the gap between male and female managers in terms of opportunity. “There is still a long way to go before clubs in the men’s game are willing to fully believe and support female managers.”
Overcoming Bias and Stereotypes
One of the biggest obstacles to female managers in men’s football, according to Hayes, is overcoming entrenched stereotypes and biases. Many football clubs, owners, and fans have preconceived notions about what a manager should look like or where they should come from.
The example of Hayes’ own career speaks volumes. Despite her remarkable achievements with Chelsea Women, where she managed stars such as Sam Kerr, Fran Kirby, and Pernille Harder, leading them to numerous trophies and fostering a culture of winning football, Hayes has never been seriously linked with a role in men’s football. The assumption that women are more suited to managing women’s teams still lingers, despite the growing recognition of women’s football worldwide.
Progress Still Needed in Women’s Football
For Hayes, the key to opening doors for women in men’s football is the continued development of women’s football itself. She believes that as women’s football grows in stature, respect for female managers will increase. “The more women’s football flourishes, the more these conversations will continue,” she said. “But it’s still going to take time.”
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