If Morgan, who will turn 35 by the time the Olympic tournament begins on July 25, was the player left out, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Corbin Albert was the one who was in the bubble and made the cut.
Albert has been part of the USWNT’s plans since her first appearance last year, as evidenced by the 11 games she has played, including the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and SheBelieves Cup earlier this year. Although he noted Albert’s flexibility, Hayes sees the midfielder playing in a number 8 role. But due to reasons both on and off the field, his inclusion in the Olympic roster was not necessary.
“First of all, we know that making the team is on merit based on what Corbyn has offered for us in the midfield position,” Hayes said in response to a question. Athletic.
In his press conference following the roster announcement, Hayes also addressed the decision to bring Albert to his first major tournament despite previous incidents in which the 20-year-old shared anti-LGTBQ+ content on his social media – for which he Apologized later. Pressure from current and former players as well as fans.
“It cannot be denied that there is a lot of work going on in the background to deal with Corbyn. As I’ve expressed on numerous occasions, I think it’s really important that everyone on this team understands the importance of not only being tolerant and respectful, but also understanding the things that mean to all of us. “Hayes,” Hayes said, reiterating many of his comments. In time for the friendly matches against Korea Republic in early June.
“Corbyn has had to learn, and my experiences with him – this is a young man who fully understands the implications of social media activity. I’m not going to go into too much detail into this because it’s between Corbyn and I, but the conversation we had was to talk about the importance of what we have to take care of, and how we’re all working towards an environment. He’s someone who appreciates and understands what he can do.”
Albert previously apologized for his controversial post (Brad Smith, Getty Images for USSF)
USWNT players also addressed Albert’s actions in April, with Morgan and co-captain Lindsay Horan reading a prepared statement before a game at the SheBelieves Cup.
“We just want to address the disappointing situation that emerged last week in relation to Corbyn. “We have worked very hard to maintain the integrity of this national team through all generations, and we are extremely saddened that this standard has not been maintained,” Horan said. “Our fans and our supporters feel like this is a team they can rally behind, and it’s so important that they feel and continue to feel undeniably heard and seen.”
Morgan said the team has also discussed Albert’s social media activity internally, and those discussions “will remain within the team”.
USWNT forward Kristen Press recently addressed Albert’s situation in detail on The Re-Cap Show, and expressed her frustration at the limited response from US Soccer.
Press said, “You have the opportunity as an organization, I’m talking about U.S. Soccer, to show a good way to create a culture that not only monetizes pride, but actually values people.” Protects emotions and psychological safety and physical security.”
“And you can really create that culture, but you have to do it in a way that is consistent and not reactionary in this way. And instead of any consequences – because as far as I know there were none – the onus was on our captains to hold a press conference and hope for some miracle. But this is not a personal code of conduct. “This is the code of conduct for US Soccer.”
Another USWNT forward, Trinity Rodman, recently told Vanity Fair that the team supports Albert.
“It’s hard to have strong opinions, especially when you’re watched so much and you have a platform to do so. Obviously, it’s terrible to be criticized, but there are people who have their own opinions and their own beliefs and they don’t always match up with them,” Rodman said. “For us, she’s on the U.S. women’s national team and we’ll be her teammates and support her.
“When she comes out on the field, she wears that number like everyone else and plays for our country, and she’s working hard to do that.”
Rodman and Hayes both said the team supports Albert (John Todd, Getty Images)
On Wednesday, Hayes fully supported Albert as a player and a person, while emphasizing that he has suffered the consequences.
During those June friendly matches, played during Pride Month, Albert wore the rainbow numbers used on the team’s jerseys and participated in team photos. He was criticized by fans at those games, although no crowds in Colorado and Minnesota fully participated in his play or reacted to the announcement of his name.
“He was a pleasure to train. I think she’s gone through a really tough time. “He’s really struggled, and I think it’s reflected some of that in his performance,” Hayes said. “Understandable. He is a young person and he faces a lot of criticism, rightfully so. She can hear the noise in the stadium. “It has affected him.”
Hayes also stressed that it is his job to continue working with Albert as a coach.
“Having spent limited time with Corbyn, I can only say first-hand that she is truly a lovely human being and someone who really values the most important things; She’s spending time working on herself, as we all do, and I look forward to pursuing this with her. I want everyone to know that my job is to make sure I keep doing that.
“I want the fans to really embrace Corbyn, because I do. I think he’s a tremendous person.”
(Top photo: Getty Images)
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