When the full list of pundits, commentators and co-commentators for Euro 2020 were announced, one name stood out. The BBC and ITV studios are both littered with former managers, captains and internationals, but there is only one head coach currently working in the game: Emma Hayes.
For many managers, the thought of conducting media duties at a major tournament would be a daunting one. Yet the Chelsea chief’s appearance comes off the back of a historic season in which she guided the Blues to the Women’s Super League title, pipping Manchester City to the top spot by two points.
Hayes also took the club to the Champions League final and, despite a humbling defeat to Barcelona in Sweden, it did little to dampen the esteem in which she is held. The 44-year-old previously won praise for her defiant response to reports she was a candidate for the AFC Wimbledon job, describing it “an insult” that she would take a men’s job in the third tier at the expense of managing the best team in the WSL.
That widespread respect has now translated into her new-found commentary role, with Ian Wright describing her as “elite”. “Just listen to Emma Hayes feeding us insight and knowledge,” he wrote during Slovakia’s 2-1 win over Poland on Monday.
Instead of shouting clichés or making vague reactive comments, Hayes executed the job to perfection. Sam Matterface led ITV’s commentary, while his co-commentator added tactical analysis beginning with how to improve Poland’s transitions as they struggled to inspire.
Later, she urged Robert Lewandowski to “cover the pivot” after Poland had moved their midfield forward 10 yards. “It’s allowing them to dominate second phases of play,” Hayes explained. “Slovakia’s attacking midfielders have a large gap to cover in transition.”
Talisman Lewandowski, she noted, was continuously “drifting too far out wide” as Poland slipped to the first real upset of the tournament so far.
As Tomas Suslov opened them up down the right, she broke down “how to beat a low block” and when Poland pushed for an equaliser, she pinpointed their focus on “winning the ball centrally on the counter”.
One of the golden rules to avoid monotonous commentary is explaining the more nuanced elements of the game to listeners in the most basic terms, an art form Hayes has no doubt mastered as the mother to a three-year-old son.
The one moment which drew some criticism, when she described Milan Skriniar as “one of the best in this position” after his goal, was nothing to do with his trade as a centre-back; it was a reflection instead of the defender’s inclination to move up the pitch and penetrate the edge of the box.
Those who do not follow the WSL may not have been familiar with her before Monday’s game, but she’s rightly making a name for herself as one of the most astute coaches around.
It’s that work on the training ground which gives her an eye for details that former players might not see. Chelsea are among the very best in the Women’s Super League for scouting and analysis and she takes an active role in leading their tactical reviews.
What set the champions apart from the rest of the pack was their structure but it is one thing to expound complex tactics to a dressing room of experienced professionals. It’s quite another to make those ideas accessible to an audience of fans – and it was a welcome change to see the commentary team trending for the right reasons.
More from i on Euro 2020
- Eriksen’s collapse has thrown a spotlight on football and its relentless thirst for more
- ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ showing he has perfect blend of silk and steel to be a star
- Where Schick’s strike against Scotland ranks among greatest Euros goals
- Daniel Storey’s guide to all 24 teams – from hot favourites to no hopers
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3wvPDba
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