Giráldez: “The Best for Both Parties” in His Move to Lyon
Jonatan Giráldez, the next coach of Olympique Lyonnais, stated that his move from the Washington Spirit of the NWSL to the French club is “the best for both parties.”
Giráldez addressed reporters for the first time since the news was announced, confirmed by Spirit and Lyon. Both clubs belong to Michele Kang through her company Kynisca. Giráldez arrived at Spirit in mid-2024, leading the team to become runner-up in the regular season and in the playoffs. Previously, he coached FC Barcelona, where he won consecutive European titles.“No, being honest, I think we should consider [my time] here, as the players said, as a base to build something together. I am part of the group. I am not the most important.”
Jonatan Giráldez
Giráldez also added:
“I am not the most important person. The club, the players, the staff, the fans, especially, the club is above all. I came here with a plan, probably to stay longer. But some things, you know, in football, change so fast, and together, we found that the best option for both parties was to go to Lyon for next season.”
Jonatan Giráldez
Adrián González will take over as coach of the Washington Spirit when Giráldez leaves for Lyon, starting July 18, according to the Spirit. González was interim coach of the Spirit last spring while the club awaited Giráldez’s arrival from Barcelona.
Giráldez, when asked about the comments he made upon leaving Barcelona last year, mentioned that he would not leave Barcelona for a competitor, but that he is 33 years old and there are great opportunities in Europe.Giráldez explained that the opportunity with Olympique Lyonnais arose “a few weeks ago” and that he spoke with several people, including Kynisca’s sporting director, Markel Zubizarreta, who worked with Giráldez at Barcelona, as well as with Kang and the Spirit CEO, Kim Stone. The Spirit currently does not have a full-time general manager following Mark Krikorian’s departure earlier this spring.“I said, yes, I am not going to compete against Barça, but I didn’t say that I am never going to compete against Barça. I think it’s different.”
Jonatan Giráldez
The Olympique Lyonnais coaching position became vacant when Joe Montemurro informed the club’s management that he would be leaving the position to become the coach of the Australian women’s national team. The Australian national team officially announced it earlier this week.
Spirit captain Aubrey Kingsbury commented that “I think we can all understand that this is a good solution for everyone involved.” Kingsbury spoke alongside co-captain Ashley Hatch and Giráldez at a joint press conference that the Spirit cut short to limit questions about the coaching change, with a spokesperson informing reporters that the club’s focus is on Sunday’s match.
Kingsbury added:Giráldez announced that fitness coach Andrés González and analyst Toni Gordo will join him at Lyon. Both arrived at Spirit with Giráldez from Barcelona. Giráldez described Adrián González as a friend and praised his work as interim coach last year. Giráldez admitted that his mid-season departure from the Spirit “is not ideal.”“I will say that many of us had already found out, the soccer community is small and the rumors, perhaps from agents, other players had already spread. So it wasn’t a big surprise, because, as I said, we found out. So maybe it was a little easier to accept. But we are very happy for Jona. We are happy for Adrián.”
Aubrey Kingsbury
“When I plan, I talk a lot about it, especially at home, because we know how it works, this environment. I know how difficult it is, this environment, in terms of football, it changes. I never talk about projects and 3, 4, 5 years; we have to talk about today, the present, the option to grow today. And let’s see what will happen in the future.”
Jonatan Giráldez
