Emma Hayes tells World Cup viewers to ‘pay attention’ after ITV set criticism
By Casey Cooper-Fiske, Press Association Senior Entertainment Reporter
US women’s national team manager Emma Hayes has told World Cup viewers to “pay attention” after social media criticism that the ITV set from which she was providing punditry looked like a kitchen.
TV presenter Dan Walker was among those who said on Instagram last week that it looked “like she’s writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard”, but Hayes appeared to answer the comments during Saturday’s game between Brazil and Haiti.
Before providing tactical analysis during the first half hydration break, Hayes said: “Well, let’s focus on the first half in particular, I know that’s a challenge for some of us at home, but I’m going to encourage us to look at some of the things that are going on in the game.”
On Saturday, the camera was positioned at a tighter angle on Hayes, not showing the rest of the set, and her chalkboard had been replaced by a magnetic tactics board.
Hayes explained Brazil’s tactics and told viewers to watch out for the way they were creating space for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior in the second half, and added: “I’m sure you will see that when you watch the first half, so pay attention.”
During the second half hydration break in the game, which kicked off at 1.30am, she added: “By the way, I know it’s late, but did you notice I changed Brazil from white to blue (counters), first half, second half?
“I’m just checking that we’ve got our full focus on the tactical board for everyone at home.”
In his Instagram post, Walker had praised Hayes as “an insightful pundit”, but added: “I’m not sure why they have decided to make it look like she’s writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard.
“I really want to know what’s in those cupboards.”
Brazil won Saturday’s game 3-0.
Hayes became manager of the US in 2024, having won the Women’s Super League (WSL) seven times, the FA Cup five times and the League Cup twice with Chelsea, where she was manager from 2012 to 2024.
ITV has been contacted for comment.
