“I’m going to take it up a notch to make sure we take the learnings from the Japan game and then we leave behind what we don’t want.” These words from Emma Hayes suggest that the USWNT has indeed moved on from its previous 1-2 SheBelieves Cup loss against the Asian side. Yet many remain unsure whether the English manager has truly lived up to her words. More importantly, are the players in contention to face Brazil sensing any change since the last time they were in camp? Well, Michelle Cooper just might have an answer to that concern.
Everyone hopes to see the US Women’s National Team make a fresh start tomorrow against Brazil. Having lost their first game under Hayes which also ended their emphatic 18-match unbeaten run, it’s only natural to see this camp as a clean slate. Seemingly, the upsetting result has prompted Hayes to ask her players to buckle down. So how’s the atmosphere around the squad? Are players truly feeling the “push” that Emma promised to give them in this window?
“Oh yeah, we’ve definitely felt it,” admitted Michelle Cooper during her brief appearance on The Attacking Third podcast. In fact, not just feeling it, but the whole team is motivated to begin from square one. “We know we want to be better even after our loss coming off of Japan. It sucks but it’s a great learning curve for us,” continued the 22-year-old.
The KC Current forward insists that everyone on the team is motivated to live up to Hayes’ promise of delivering the best. Simply put, expect the USA to put on a fight as if they never endured any setback. “First loss under Emma Hayes but we are going to show that we will bounce back and we’re going to do everything we need to do to make that possible,” concluded Cooper.
Optimism at its best! Hayes’ message has been well-received by all the players. In fact, the 48-year-old herself issued a subtle warning to her players and the upcoming rivals that they can expect an intense clash. “We absolutely have to make sure that physically we are at a level to compete with Brazil and make sure on our home turf that we deliver the expectations that I set for the team,” earlier said the former Chelsea boss.
Be that as it may, it sure does sound like the USWNT is back. Then again, it is the result of the opening game that’ll tell how much they have prepared themselves to embrace the reset phase. In the meantime, one would like to ask Michelle Cooper how is keen to play a significant role under Hayes.
Michelle Cooper promises ‘ruthless’ display for Emma Hayes and USWNT
The 22-year-old winger also shared how she aims to make the most of another opportunity she has received under Emma Hayes. Describing how chaotic it was being thrown into the SheBelieves Cup for her first camp, Cooper admitted she’s glad to have that experience under her belt heading into the upcoming one. In fact, “Comfortable” was the word she used while expressing her excitement about facing Brazil.
When asked what kind of role she hopes to play, the NWSL forward said, “I just want to embrace whatever role I’m given. Honestly, it’s an absolute honor to be able to put on the crest.” Further emphasizing her determination to give 100%—regardless of the role—Michelle shared her goals for this camp.
“I hope to just continue to improve, learn from Emma and the other girls, make connections, and understand the style of this nation, because it’s ruthless—and that’s exactly what I want to bring,” concluded the star forward, who has earned 9 caps for the USWNT.
Hearing all of this, we can’t wait to see how things unfold for Emma Hayes and Co. Share your predictions as well in the comments below!
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