United States women's national team head coach Emma Hayes is set to add former Aston Villa boss Carla Ward to her staff for the Olympic Games.
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Ward left Aston Villa back in MayFormed friendship with Hayes while in WSLNow set to join USWNT staff for OlympicsWHAT HAPPENED?
Ward chose to leave Villa at the end of the 2023-24 season, stating that is was the "right time" to prioritise "my daughter and the rest of my family life". The former Sheffield United and Birmingham City manager spent three years at the club, reaching two cup semi-finals and securing an impressive fifth-placed finish in the 2022-23 Women's Super League campaign.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ward is now set to return to coaching as understands that she will join the USWNT staff in what is described as a flexible role, overseeing various areas such as performance analysis and opposition scouting. The 40-year-old formed a close friendship with Hayes while coaching against her in the WSL and will now join her for the upcoming Olympic Games.
DID YOU KNOW?
The USWNT will be searching for a fifth Olympic gold medal in France this summer, with it the most successful nation in the Games' women's football tournament by some distance. No other country has won gold in the event more than once since it was introduced in 1996.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THE USWNT?
Hayes' side kicks off its 2024 Olympic campaign on Thursday, taking on Zambia in Nice. Germany and Australia are the other teams in the U.S.'s group.