Emma Hayes argues that the absence of female coaches in men's football reveals a deep-seated reluctance among club owners to embrace gender diversity in management roles. She states, "I've said this a million times over - you can find a female pilot, a female doctor, a female lawyer, a female banker, but you can't find a female coach working in the men's game, leading men. It just shows you how much work there is to be done."
On addressing the matter of female managers in men's teams, Hayes emphasizes the importance of club owners' perspectives: "I think you need to get more owners in to ask them that question, because they're the people you have to ask that question to. I'm not the one in charge of that." This highlights the need for broader support and change from those in decision-making positions.
Hayes comfortably manages a diverse staff, stating, "I manage about 25 men every day but they're just the staff I work with." She believes that as long as the coach is the best available, male players would be accepting of a female manager. This point underscores her confidence in the capability of female leaders in high-pressure environments.
Despite the recognition of female coaches through nominations, the stark absence of women in the men's coaching nominee list for prestigious awards points to systemic biases. Hayes highlights this disparity by mentioning the rich roster of male nominees while no female coaches were included: "The men's coach of the year award nominee list, which included the likes of Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, did not include any female coaches."
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