Jonatan Giráldez named new Washington Spirit coach

32-year-old Jonatan Giráldez swaps the Catalan capital for a move to Washington DC. The former FC Barcelona Femeni coach announced just a few weeks ago, on December 18, that he would not renew his contract with Barcelona with the Catalan side now forced to search for a new coach. But Giráldez is clear that he wanted a new challenge. “The reason? In the end, when you receive an offer, like everyone, you weigh the good and bad things, what things you can gain and how can one grow and try to be a better person and professional, to have more skills. After parenthood, I also feel that at a family level it is a change that could be positive for us all and I think it’s the right decision,” he explained at the time.

The NWSL now provides the next challenge for the Galician born coach and he will move Stateside upon the conclusion of the current Spanish season. “We conducted an extensive global, data-driven search and found that Jona is the best choice to lead our players. His commitment to excellence and high-performance is second to none and the results speak for themselves including consecutive La Liga and Supercopa titles and multiple top coach honors,” said team owner Michele Kang. “We are grateful for his decision to join us. He will help take the Spirit to the next leveI for both players and fans” she added.

His achievements at the helm of Barcelona in the last two years have made him one of the most sought after coaches on the planet. His Barcelona Femeni side won the Champions League last season in addition to the Liga F and the Super Cup, the previous season they achieved the treble in Spain with the League, Cup and Super Cup.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the team and become part of the Washington Spirit family. It’s a great honor and a greater responsibility to help bring the club to the next level so I will dedicate my heart and soul to make everyone around the team proud and part of something great,” said Giráldez. “I really want to thank Michele and Mark for the opportunity my family and myself have been given. I will be looking forward to meeting the staff, players and fans in DC soon.”

Until the new coach arrives in DC, the Washington Spirit will have to employ an interim coach with a team packed with Spanish players waiting for Giráldez.