Jonatan Giraldez, the head coach, is reportedly set to depart the NWSL`s Washington Spirit in June. His next destination is OL Lyon in France, making a move between two clubs under the ownership of American billionaire Michele Kang.
It is anticipated that Giraldez will leave the Spirit either just before or during the NWSL`s summer interval, commencing the week of June 23rd, according to reports. His replacement will be Adrian Gonzalez, presently an assistant under Giraldez. Gonzalez previously served as the Spirit`s interim head coach at the start of the 2024 campaign while Giraldez was concluding his three-year tenure managing Barcelona.
Although the Spirit organization is considered capable with Gonzalez stepping in, Giraldez`s impending departure is viewed as somewhat unexpected. He had publicly stated his decision to leave Barcelona in December 2023, citing “much bigger offers” received. Reports indicated the Spirit was prepared to quadruple his salary. His hiring was seen as a significant statement of ambition by Kang, securing one of women`s soccer`s most prominent coaches, who arrived with two UEFA Women`s Champions League titles.
Gonzalez is stepping into the role after the Spirit reportedly rejected several requests from other NWSL clubs seeking to interview him for their open positions. This was done in anticipation of Giraldez eventually returning to Europe “in the foreseeable future.” Giraldez is indeed heading back to his home continent, but notably, he will continue working for the same owner, Michele Kang.
While he officially commenced his role with the Spirit only in July of the previous year, he quickly adapted and guided the team to the NWSL Championship final in November, where they were defeated 1-0 by first-time champions Orlando Pride. This successful run to the final, significantly influenced by MVP candidate Trinity Rodman and Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune, was widely seen as the initial phase of a substantial, ambitious project.
In recent years, Kang has established herself as one of the most forward-thinking investors in women`s soccer, particularly since becoming the majority owner of the Spirit in 2022. Her portfolio expanded with the acquisition of OL Lyon (formerly Olympique Lyonnais until a recent rebrand), record eight-time Women`s Champions League winners, and England`s London City Lionesses. These three clubs are part of Kynisca Sports International, a London-based entity Kang founded last year, which also encompasses various other soccer initiatives she has pursued.
Giraldez is anticipated to take over from Joe Montemurro, who is expected to step down after a year to assume management of the Australian national team. OL Lyon secured their 18th domestic league title this season, extending their record, but were eliminated in the Women`s Champions League semifinals by eventual winners Arsenal.
