Sports
Hayes is closest English football has come to another Sir Alex Ferguson
Midway through a chat with her men’s counterpart at Chelsea, Emma Hayes awkwardly had to explain to Mauricio Pochettino that someone more important was ringing her.
It was Sir Alex Ferguson, who had heard about her decision to leave Chelsea and become the new U.S. women’s national team manager. Pochettino understood his place in the hierarchy, and Hayes picked up.
“He calls me from time to time, so I wasn’t surprised,” explained Hayes, whose first games in charge of USWNT will come in friendlies against South Korea on June 1 and June 4. “Anything he says to me I always take with such pride. He is a legend of the game and someone whose opinion I value and he has a love of America. We talked a little bit about that, a little bit about legacy, a little bit about leaving at the top. So there were wise words from him. I’m sure it won’t be the last phone call I get from him this season.”
Hayes’ managerial influences are widespread. Given the lack of investment in sports science focused on women’s football, she’s often had to look to other sports for inspiration to understand how to evolve and improve the women’s game. But perhaps her chief influence is Ferguson. This, in itself, shouldn’t come as a great surprise, considering Ferguson is the most successful manager in the history of English football and dominated from the period when Hayes’ teenage hopes of a playing career were ruined by injury, in the early 1990s, to the point where she became Chelsea manager in 2012.
But the curious thing is that, as a Ferguson disciple — and, more to the point, a very successful one — Hayes is pretty much unique. Ferguson’s former players who have gone into management have been only mildly successful. The next generation of young British managers tend to cite foreign coaches as their role models. It’s difficult to look at men’s English football and see many direct Ferguson influences.
In the women’s game, though, Hayes has continued his legacy, and when she became the first woman to receive the Football Writers’ Association tribute award earlier this year, Ferguson gladly appeared on screen to offer a glowing tribute.
The last half-decade in the English women’s can easily be likened to mid-1990s Premier League football: a European Championship on home soil, big improvements in television coverage, the move to modern stadiums and that golden period when suddenly the best players from across the world arrive. Amid those developments, Hayes has effectively been the Ferguson figure — adjusting better than others, staying one step ahead, and enjoying unparalleled success.
Football management essentially has two very different components. There is, to put it bluntly, the football and the management. There are those who understand the game on a deep level, but struggle to assert their authority and build a winning culture. On the other hand, there are also popular figures who get players onside but struggle with the technical side of the game.
To enjoy careers as successful as Ferguson and Hayes, you must tick both boxes, but they’re probably similar in that they’re naturally outstanding managers of individuals, knowing when to use the carrot and when to use the stick, but have often been questioned in terms of the footballing side of things.
Ferguson, for example, was often considered naive tactically when United initially struggled to make progress in Europe, and his habit of making strange selection decisions led to some supporters calling him ‘Tinkerbell’ for his constant tinkering, which was considered to do more harm than good. But gradually Ferguson became more comfortable tactically; in big games, he increasingly set up to stop opponents rather than to play an open game, with great success.
Similarly, Hayes generally gets glowing reports for her ability to lead individuals and cultivate a winning mentality, but was sometimes considered a bit of a back-to-basics, old-school manager, and was criticised for her tendency to leave out key players with little explanation. But that has always been a little unfair, and at times her tactical approach has worked excellently.
Take the way her sides have shuffled between a back three and a back four smoothly at times — specifically the 2021 FA Cup final, when it felt like her defenders were all playing in ‘false’ positions, prompting her opposition number Jonas Eidevall to hold up red and blue cards to his players at certain times, which referred to Chelsea’s shape. (Incidentally, it’s arguable that her stock has raised as much because of her spells as an ITV co-commentator as her managerial success. In an era when co-commentators are so rarely ex-managers, as was once the default, her ability to explain tactical concepts and coaching decisions has been a refreshing change.)
A more accurate observation is that neither Ferguson nor Hayes have been particularly concerned with a footballing philosophy, or on playing entertaining football for the sake of it. They are simply focused on winning, on doing what it takes from game to game.
There has been an extraordinary rewriting of Ferguson’s legacy; his United were rarely famed for their attractive football compared to their title rivals, and the entertainment came from the dramatic manner of their victories, which were often barely believable, rather than the finesse of their play. Part of United’s problem in replacing him has been the idea there was a grand stylistic tradition to replicate. But Ferguson changed his approach so often that he must have contradicted his own philosophy, if one ever existed, very regularly.
Similarly, while a specific style of play is easy to identify at other WSL clubs — Arsenal have always been more technical, Manchester City unashamedly want to play like their men’s side, Tottenham are focused on playing out from the back — Chelsea are more flexible. Often they’re more dangerous on the break than with patient possession play; City and Arsenal have the best pass-completion rates in the league, whereas Chelsea play the most long passes.
Hayes’ approach is less of a philosophy, and more based around getting the best from her side’s in-form attacker and using functional players to stop opponents. In the last five seasons, at various times it’s felt like her Chelsea style has been based around the driving runs of Fran Kirby, then the goals of Bethany England, briefly the guile of Pernille Harder, then the runs in behind of Sam Kerr, then the wing play of Guro Reiten, and more recently it’s often been the flair of Lauren James.
It’s more difficult to nail down what Hayes’ classic XI would be or a default style of play.
Hayes’ set-up has often focused on getting the best from her forwards, such as Kirby (Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Equally, in big matches, Hayes has been able to count upon reliable, versatile, hard-working players with several years of experience at the club. In major title showdowns involving Ferguson’s Manchester United, it was striking how often his key player would be Darren Fletcher, or John O’Shea, or Phil Neville. Not the most glamorous players, but always effective.
Similarly, at times it would have been difficult to say (until recently, perhaps) that any of Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, or Erin Cuthbert were undroppable, or had a clearly defined role in the side. They were ‘do-a-job’ players. But Hayes has improved them as individuals, year on year, and knows how to use them, game to game.
Both Ferguson and Hayes understood the need for clubs to dramatically expand their backroom staff, and not be solely based around the manager. Ferguson relied heavily on his assistants and did little coaching himself, while Hayes is regularly seen consulting with her coaching staff. Her emphasis upon ‘the team behind the team’ is clear, to the extent that her audiobook, Kill The Unicorn, is based on the need to move away from the concept of one person having all the answers.
The slight contradiction, though, is that because Ferguson and Hayes were the ones to build these wider teams from positions as old-school manager rather than first-team coach, replacing them becomes difficult.
In terms of legacy, both have encountered one frustrating final boss: Barcelona. Ferguson won two European Cups and desperately wanted to add a third, but was foiled in both the 2009 and 2011 finals by Pep Guardiola’s side. Hayes has never won the European Cup, reaching the final in 2021, when her side were thrashed by Barca, who also eliminated her side in the past two seasons. Barca are the ultimate example of a club with an obvious philosophy, which has been transferred from the men’s to the women’s side.
Hayes was left fuming after the second leg of Chelsea’s semi-final defeat this season, calling the sending-off of Kadeisha Buchanan the “worst decision in Women’s Champions League history”, which was probably unwise. This week, it was announced UEFA would not charge her for those comments. It rather brought to mind Ferguson’s final Champions League game as manager, when United lost at home to Real Madrid after Nani had been controversially dismissed. Ferguson didn’t fulfil his post-match media commitments, with his assistant Mike Phelan explaining that he was “too distraught”. UEFA fined him £8,500. In that sense, Hayes probably took the right decision to attend the press conference.
Snatching victories from the jaws of defeat was the main theme of Ferguson’s time at Manchester United. But it’s arguable his side never won a title in circumstances as unusual as Hayes’ Chelsea might this weekend.
After a 4-3 defeat at Liverpool earlier this month, Hayes had essentially given up on the title — or at least, that’s what she told the media. But the following weekend, Stina Blackstenius’ two late goals for Arsenal defeated Manchester City and let Chelsea back in, and led to the remarkable spectacle of Chelsea demolishing Bristol City 8-0 to give themselves a goal-difference advantage over City, having started the day with a seven-goal deficit. Hayes sent a paper message onto the pitch, reminding her players of the task.
So this weekend is a goal-difference shootout. City travel to Aston Villa, knowing they probably not only need to win but make up a two-goal disadvantage on Chelsea, who travel to FA Cup winners Manchester United.
If Hayes clinches yet another league title, it will be a fitting place to bow out, for the closest thing English football has seen to another Ferguson.
(Top photos: Ian Kington/AFP via Getty Images; Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
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Russell Wilson and Sean Payton spent just one NFL season together, but tension lingered after a rocky year.
And it appears the tension that built up from that tumultuous stretch continues to linger.
Wilson’s interview on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, recorded before last month’s Super Bowl between Seattle and New England, recently resurfaced.
In the interview, Wilson doubled down on his October comment labeling Payton “classless,” saying he felt slighted by his former coach’s remarks.
Head coach Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos talks to quarterback Russell Wilson on the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium Aug. 11, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
“[When] you’ve been on the same side or this and that, and I got the same amount of rings as you got, meaning Sean, right?” said Wilson, who won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks as Payton did coaching for the New Orleans Saints.
“I got a lot of respect for him as a play-caller, this and that, but to take a shot, I don’t like. I don’t think it’s necessary, you know, I mean, especially when I’m not even on your own team anymore. So, for me, there’s a point in time where you have to, I’ve realized, I’ve stayed quiet for so long. There’s a there’s a time and place where I’m not.
“I know who I am as a competitor, as a warrior, as a champion, too, and, you know, I’ve beaten Sean, too. You know, like we’ve been on the same place and the same thing. And so, it’s not a matter of disrespect. Just don’t disrespect me.”
Sean Payton and Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos during an a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High Nov. 19, 2023, in Denver, Colo. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
After a rocky one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Wilson joined the New York Giants last offseason. However, he was relegated to a backup role after just three games.
Rookie Jaxson Dart quickly showed promise once he had the chance to start, but his season was briefly derailed by injury. Jameis Winston — not Wilson — stepped in for Dart in a handful of games. Dart threw three touchdowns in a Week 7 matchup with the Broncos, nearly pulling off an upset in what was eventually a close loss.
After the game, Payton said Dart provided a “spark” to the Giants’ offense.
“I was talking to [Giants owner] John Mara not too long ago, and I said, ‘We were hoping that that change would have happened long after our game,’” Payton said.
The New York Giants’ Russell Wilson attempts to escape a sack by Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston (53) in the first half of a game Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Payton also said the Broncos would have faced less of a challenge had Wilson been under center.
“Classless … but not surprised,” Wilson responded in a social media post. “Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later though the media.”
Despite last season’s struggles and chatter about his football future, Wilson does not appear ready to call it quits in 2026.
“I wanna play a few more years for sure,” he said. “I think, for me, I’ve always had the vision of getting to 40, at least. I think the game is different. Quarterbacks, we get hit. It’s not, you know, we get hit hard, but … there’s certain rules. I mean, back in the day when I started, bro, it was you just get [clobbered].
“I mean, so I feel like the game allows you to, you know, live a little longer, I guess. I feel healthy. I feel great. But I think, more than anything else is, do you love the game? Do you love studying? Do you love the passion for it all? Do you love the process? Do you love the practice? Do you love — everybody loves the winning part of it, but it’s process. There’s a journey that you got to be obsessed with. And that part I’m obsessed with.”
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The early rounds of the BNP Paribas Open began Wednesday, with top seeds slated to start play Friday during the 12-day ATP and WTPA Master 1000 tournament.
A busy stretch of the tennis season reaches another gear at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the second largest outdoor tennis stadium in the world.
While many consider it the “fifth Grand Slam” because of its elite player field, amenities and equal prize money for men and women, professionals acknowledge the tournament is part of a stressful stretch on the tennis calendar.
Indian Wells is followed by the Miami Open, another two-week Master 1000 tournament. The tour stops are known as the “Sunshine Double.”
Some players made the short trip from Indian Wells to Las Vegas this past weekend to participate in the MGM Grand Slam, an exhibition designed to help players ramp up for back-to-back tournaments.
American Reilly Opelka, a 6-foot–11 pro, said managing fatigue after a series of tournaments before hitting Indian Wells has altered his practice and play in exhibition matches, including a loss to 19-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca in Las Vegas.
“Normally in any kind of competition, you get excited and play with a pressure point … but you don’t feel this when you are practicing,” Opelka said.
“I was trying to feel like this a few days ago while practicing with … [Tommy Paul,] but instead we got tired and hungry. … That usually doesn’t happen. We just decided to stop and go to eat somewhere.”
Paul said despite the decision to cut practice short, he feels fresh for the upcoming events.
“I started the year pretty well and for Americans, we are excited for the Sunshine Double,” Paul said.
Casper Rudd lost to Opelka during the first round of the Las Vegas exhibition. The Norwegian also lost a week ago during the first round of the Acapulco Open, falling to Chinese qualifier Yibing Wu in straight sets.
Rudd said he felt “extremely tired” after the Australian Open in January.
Rancho Palo Verdes resident Taylor Fritz, ranked No. 7 in the world, said the best way to prepare yourself for grueling tour schedule is “putting [in] the time, work and repetition.”
“… Be there, be focused on the quality that you are doing,” said Fritz, a 28-year-old who won the Indian Wells title in 2022.
While some players are guarding against burnout, others struggled to even reach California. Some players who live in Dubai, including Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, have to contend with closed airspace triggered by the U.S. and Israel bombing Iran.
The ATP announced Wednesday that, “the vast majority of players who were in Dubai have successfully departed today on selected flights.”
Sports
Law firm fighting for women’s sports in SCOTUS battle comments on ruling possibly impacting SJSU trans lawsuit
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A law firm leading the charge in the ongoing Supreme Court case over trans athletes in women’s sports has responded after a federal judge suggested the case’s ruling could impact a separate case involving a similar issue.
Colorado District Judge Kato Crews deferred ruling in motions to dismiss former San Jose State volleyball co-captain Brooke Slusser’s lawsuit against the California State University (CSU) system until after a ruling in the B.P.J. v. West Virginia Supreme Court case, which is expected to come in June.
Slusser filed the lawsuit against representatives of her school and the Mountain West Conference in fall 2024 after she allegedly was made to share bedrooms and changing spaces with trans teammate Blaire Fleming for a whole season without being informed that Fleming is a biological male.
Meanwhile, the B.P.J. case went to the Supreme Court after a trans teen sued West Virginia to block the state’s law that prevents males from competing in girls’ high school sports.
The Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) is the primary law firm defending West Virginia in that case at the Supreme Court, and has now responded to news that Slusser’s lawsuit could be affected by the SCOTUS ruling.
“We hope the ruling from the Supreme Court will affirm that Title IX was designed to guarantee equal opportunity for women, not to let male athletes displace women and girl in competition. It is crucial that sports be separated by sex for not only the equal opportunity of women but for safety and privacy. Title IX should protect women’s right to compete in their own sports. Allowing men to compete in the female category reverses 50 years of advancement for women,” ADF Vice President of Litigation Strategies Jonathan Scruggs said.
Slusser’s attorney, Bill Bock of the Independent Council on Women’s Sports, expects a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the legal defense representing West Virginia, thus helping his case.
(Left) Brooke Slusser (10) of the San Jose State Spartans serves the ball during the first set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Oct. 19, 2024. (Right) Blaire Fleming #3 of the San Jose State Spartans looks on during the third set against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Court at East Gym on October 19, 2024 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. ( Andrew Wevers/Getty Images; Andrew Wevers/Getty Images)
“We’re looking forward to the case going forward,” Bock told Fox News Digital.
“I believe that the court is going to find that Title IX operates on the basis of biological sex, without regard to an assumed or professed gender, and so just like the congress and the members of congress that passed Title IX in 1972, allowed this specifically provided for in the regulations that there had to be separate men’s and women’s teams based on biological sex, I think the court is going to see that is the original meaning of the statute and apply it in that way, and I think it’s going to be a big win in women’s sports.”
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appeared prepared to rule in favor of West Virginia after oral arguments on Jan. 13.
Slusser spoke on the steps of the Supreme Court on Jan. 13 while oral arguments took place inside, sharing her experience with a divided crowd of opposing protesters.
With Fleming on its roster, SJSU reached the 2024 conference final by virtue of a forfeit by Boise State in the semifinal round. SJSU lost in the final to Colorado State.
Slusser went on to develop an eating disorder due to the anxiety and trauma from the scandal and dropped out of her classes the following semester. The eating disorder became so severe, that Slusser said she lost her menstrual cycle for nine months. Her decision to drop her classes resulted in the loss of her scholarship, and her parents said they had to foot the bill out of pocket for an unfinished final semester of college.
President Donald Trump’s Department of Education determined in January that SJSU violated Title IX in its handling of the situation involving Fleming, and has given the university an ultimatum to agree to a series of resolutions or face a referral to the Department of Justice.
Among the department’s findings, it determined that a female athlete discovered that the trans student allegedly conspired to have a member of an opposing team spike her in the face during a match. ED claims that “SJSU did not investigate the conspiracy, but later subjected the female athlete to a Title IX complaint for ‘misgendering’ the male athlete in online videos and interviews.”
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SJSU trans player Blaire Fleming and teammate Brooke Slusser went to a magic show and had Thanksgiving together in Las Vegas despite an ongoing lawsuit over Fleming being transgender. (Thien-An Truong/San Jose State Athletics)
SJSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya told Fox News Digital in a July interview that he was satisfied with how the university handled the situation involving Fleming.
“I think everybody acted in the best possible way they could, given the circumstances,” Konya said.
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