NWSL's Washington Spirit have officially hired ex-Barcelona manager Jonatan Giraldez as their new coach

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• Washington Spirit officially get Giraldez as new coach
• Spaniard coming off of historic quadruple
• Will ease into role with NWSL team

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Washington Spirit officially announced the signing of Giraldez from FC Barcelona in Spain, with the Spanish manager joining as a free agent.

  The 32-year-old signed a pre-contract agreement with the Spirit five months ago, and finished up a rather historic season with Barca, winning a sensational quadruple in Liga F, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, Copa de la Reina and Supercopa de España Femenina.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Spirit have had a strong start to the season, sitting third in the NWSL standings. They trail league-leaders Kansas City Current by just one point, while second-place Orlando Pride are level with KC on points at 29.

  Breakout rookie star Croix Bethune has had a sensational start to the season with five goals and eight assists, which earned her a training spot on the USWNT's June camp roster.

  U.S. star Trinity Rodman, meanwhile, has yet to fully find her form in 2024, with three goals and four assists.

  Giraldez will look to get the most out of the duo, although he will be losing Rodman in July due to the Paris Olympics.

• WHAT GIRALDEZ SAID

  “I’m thrilled to join the Spirit and begin this next chapter with the club,” said Giraldez. “To be part of the vision Michele Kang has for the Spirit and women’s soccer globally is an exciting opportunity.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GIRALDEZ AND THE SPIRIT?

  The Spirit are back in action Sunday against reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC.

  As for Giraldez, he will not assume responsibilities immediately, rather, it will be a phased transition.

  "Giraldez is set to assimilate into the Spirit staff, slowly taking over head coaching responsibilities to ensure the smoothest transition possible." the club said in a statement. "Accordingly, interim head coach Adrián González will remain in the acting position during this time. Once Giraldez fully assumes the head coach role, González will remain on the technical staff as an assistant coach."

Tags: Futebol
Category: News