Washington Spirit have named Barcelona Femeni boss Jonatan Giraldez their new head coach, with the Spaniard set to join this summer.
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Spirit poach Giraldez from treble-winnersNamed new head coach of NWSL sideWill join at the end of Barca Femeni seasonWHAT HAPPENED?
The Spirit announced Giraldez will join them at the end of the Barca Femeni campaign this summer. Despite managing the likes of Ballon d'Or winners Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, the Spaniard has opted for a switch stateside, and will join the ranks of Washington.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT GIRALDEZ SAID
“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.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The Spaniard will be handed one of the brightest up-and-coming U.S. talents in Trinity Rodman once he takes control of the Spirit, along with USWNT contributors Andi Sullivan and Ashley Hatch. It's a massive appointment for the club, and one that will see them grow even further as an organization.
Giraldez has the pedigree of a winner, with an astounding two-year trophy cabinet featuring two league titles, a Copa de la Reina and a WUCL trophy. He has also tasted Liga F defeat as a manager just once in his career.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR WASHINGTON SPIRIT
The NWSL side will begin preseason this February, before kicking off their campaign in March, 2024. As for Giraldez, the Barca Femeni season goes until June, so he will not arrive until the summertime.