Jonatan Giráldez’s Potential Move to OL Lyonnes
Jonatan Giráldez, the current head coach of the Washington Spirit, is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to assume the role of head coach at the renowned French club OL Lyonnes, as confirmed by multiple insiders to ESPN. OL Lyonnes, a dominant force in women’s football with eight European championships to their name, has recently undergone a rebranding from its previous name Olympique Lyonnais. Notably, both teams fall under the ownership of Michele Kang.
Coaching Vacancy and Future Prospects
The Spirit has not issued a response regarding these discussions when approached by ESPN. Expectations are high for a coaching vacancy at OL Lyonnes, as Joe Montemurro, who took the position only last season, is set to depart for the role of head coach for the Australian women’s national team.
Michele Kang’s Ownership and Vision
Michele Kang owns not only the Spirit and OL Lyonnes but also England’s London City Lionesses. Recently, she hinted to ESPN that she is on the verge of acquiring a fourth club, although she has previously stated her intention to maintain distinct identities for each team and avoid transferring top talent among them.
“I’m not going to rob the best players from one team and give them to another team,”
she affirmed, emphasizing her goal to establish premier teams in their respective countries.
Giráldez’s Achievements and Possible Successors
Giráldez joined the Spirit last year after a triumphant spell with Barcelona, where he led them to a UEFA Champions League title and secured league victories for three consecutive seasons. Under his guidance, the Spirit achieved a commendable second-place finish in the regular season and were runners-up in the NWSL Championship. If Giráldez departs, Adrián González, who managed the Spirit on an interim basis last spring, is considered a strong candidate to take over the head coach position.
