Giraldez to Lyon: Washington Spirit Coach Departs for OL Lyon
Washington Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez is departing for OL lyonnes,marking a significant shift in the NWSL. Learn how this impacts the team’s future. Giraldez, who led the Spirit to the NWSL Championship, is leaving to coach in France under the same ownership from billionaire Michele Kang, further illustrating her investment in women’s soccer.This move sees Adrian Gonzalez, the current assistant coach, step into the head coach role for the spirit. The news from News Directory 3 will impact the NWSL and especially the Spirit’s ambitions.Discover what’s next for the Washington Spirit and its pursuit of an NWSL championship under new leadership!
Jonatan giraldez to coach OL Lyonnes after Washington Spirit stint
Jonatan Giraldez, head coach of the Washington Spirit, is reportedly set to join OL Lyonnes in France in June. Both clubs are owned by American billionaire Michele Kang. Giraldez’s move marks a significant shift in the NWSL landscape.
Giraldez is expected to leave before or during the NWSL’s summer break, which starts the week of June 23. adrian Gonzalez, currently an assistant coach, will take over. Gonzalez previously served as the Spirit’s interim head coach at the beginning of the 2024 season.
The Spirit are in good hands with Gonzalez, but Giraldez’s departure is still unexpected. He left Barcelona in December 2023 after receiving substantially larger offers,with reports indicating the Spirit quadrupled his salary. Kang’s hiring of giraldez, a two-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, was seen as a major statement.
Gonzalez’s promotion comes after the Spirit reportedly declined interview requests from other NWSL teams, anticipating Giraldez’s return to Europe. Giraldez will now coach for the same owner, Kang, but on a different continent.
Giraldez officially took over the Spirit last July. he quickly led the team to the NWSL Championship in November, where they lost 1-0 to the Orlando Pride. That championship run, fueled by MVP candidate Trinity Rodman and Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune, was considered the initial phase of an ambitious project.
Kang has emerged as a prominent investor in women’s soccer, particularly after becoming the majority owner of the Spirit in 2022. She later acquired OL Lyonnes, an eight-time Champions League winner, and England’s London City Lionesses. All three clubs operate under Kynisca Sports International, a London-based company Kang launched last year.
Giraldez is expected to succeed Joe Montemurro, who is likely to leave after a year to coach Australia’s national team. OL Lyonnes secured their 18th domestic title this season but fell short in the champions League, losing to Arsenal in the semifinals.
what’s next
adrian Gonzalez will now lead the Washington Spirit, aiming to build on the foundation laid by Giraldez and continue the team’s pursuit of an NWSL championship. The transition marks a new chapter for the spirit under Michele Kang’s ownership.