Emma Hayes appeared to hit back at criticism over ITV's 'kitchen' set that sparked accusations of sexism this week. Hayes, one of the most respected coaches in the game and currently in charge of the USA women's national team, is part of the ITV team for this summer's World Cup.
As well as featuring as a pundit alongside the likes of Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ange Postecoglou, she has also had her own tactics segment taking place during the unpopular hydration breaks midway through each half of games. The segment has been reserved for more high profile games with Hayes providing searing tactical insight during Spain's opener last week in addition to England's victory over Croatia on Wednesday.
Hayes' segment draws criticism
Hayes' segment takes place just off the main studio on the New York roof top where ITV have set up camp, illustrating her observations with a blackboard and chalk in a set-up which some viewers described as a 'kitchen'. Hayes appears to be having none of it, however.
Her segment returned in the early hours of Saturday morning as Brazil thumped Haiti 3-0 to get their first win of the competition, immediately after Matheus Cunha's goal. 'Well, let's focus on the first-half. I know that's a challenge for some of us at home,' Hayes said, looking straight down the camera.
'Pay attention'
'But I'm going to encourage us to look at some of the things going on in the game.' After concluding her segment with another insightful look on the rotation amongst Brazil's attacking line, she added: 'I'm sure you will see that when you watch the first-half, so pay attention.' There was one slight change to the segment however with magnetic circles replacing the chalk.
More to follow.
