U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes deflected a question regarding potential salary increases if a high-profile coach like Jürgen Klopp were to replace Gregg Berhalter as the U.S. men’s coach. Hayes emphasized her primary focus on preparing her team for their upcoming training camp and the Olympics.
Key Points from the News Conference:
- Focus on Current Role: Hayes stressed that her main concern is her current responsibilities with the U.S. women’s team and their preparation for the Olympics.
- Gender Equity and Men’s Team: Hayes did not comment on issues related to gender equity or the men’s team, indicating these were not her priorities at the moment.
- Coaching Background: Hayes, named FIFA’s Best Women’s Coach in 2021, led Chelsea’s women’s team from 2012 to 2024 before taking on her current role this spring.
Financial Context:
- Gregg Berhalter’s Salary: Berhalter earned $2,291,136 in 2022, including $900,000 in bonuses for the U.S. men’s team’s World Cup qualification and second-round advancement.
- Vlatko Andonovski’s Salary: Hayes’ predecessor, Vlatko Andonovski, had a base salary of $396,089 in 2022, with an additional $15,000 in bonuses. He resigned last August after the U.S. women’s team’s second-round exit in the Women’s World Cup.
- Hayes’ Salary: Upon hiring, the USSF announced Hayes would become the highest-paid women’s soccer coach in the world, though exact figures will be disclosed in the USSF’s upcoming tax return.
Context on Klopp:
- Jürgen Klopp: Klopp left Liverpool this spring after a successful nine-year tenure, including winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles.
The USSF has agreed to equalize pay for players on the men’s and women’s national teams, highlighting ongoing efforts towards gender equity in soccer. However, Hayes remains focused on her immediate task of leading the U.S. women’s team to success in their upcoming competitions.
