Jonatan Giráldez ‘Transitions’ Between Clubs Owned By Michele Kang

The day after Joe Montemurro stepped down as coach of OL Lyonnes, his replacement was confirmed as Jonatan Giráldez, a man working for another club owned by Michele Kang.

Giráldez, the youngest-ever coach to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League in his time at FC Barcelona, moved to the United States last summer to coach Washington Spirit, the NWSL club owned by United States businesswoman Kang.

She has also acquired the eight-time European champions, Olympique Lyonnais, who she recently separated from the men’s team and rebranded as OL Lyonnes. With her head coach Montemurro leaving to coach the national team of his native Australia, Kang did not look far for his replacement.

In 2024, Kang established London-based Kynisca Sports International as the umbrella group for her multi-club ownership of The Spirit, OL Lyonnes and London City Lionesses which she intends to expand into South America. Kynisca promised to pool resources between their teams and now it seems this extends to their head coach.

Last summer, I asked Kang whether she would eventually move players between her teams. She was adamant she would not “this is not to say, we own multi-teams, everyone else exists to make one team successful. . . We are not going to sacrifice one team to make another team successful. Absolutely not. Our goal is to make every team the champion in each of their leagues.”

As we approach the halfway point of the regular season, Washington Spirit currently sit fourth in the table having finished second last year before losing the Championship Final to Orlando Pride. They did however win the NWSL Challenge Cup against the same opponents in March. It appears that Giráldez will remain in charge of the team until July.

Giráldez has signed a contract with OL Lyonnes until 30 June 2028. Until Montemurro, every coach of the club this century has got them to a Champions League final, since 2010 every coach except Montemurro had won the Champions League title. The club said “this appointment confirms OL Lyonnes’ strategic commitment to strengthening its international reach and increasing its competitiveness.”

Kang added “Jonatan’s commitment to excellence and performance is unmatched. His leadership, tactical acumen, and dedication to player development will propel our club to the next level, both domestically and internationally.”

“We are grateful for his decision to remain part of the Kynisca family. He will play a crucial role in elevating OL Lyonnes to new heights for the players and fans.”

Washington Spirit announced simultaneously this afternoon that Giráldez will be replaced on July 18 by his assistant coach Adrián González as Giráldez “will transition over to become the Head Coach of OL Lyonnes” in time for the start of the new French league season.

Kang intimated that the expected arrival of Giráldez’s second child next month may have played a part in his decision to return to Europe. Giráldez said “it has been a privilege to lead this incredible group of players, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Spirit family.”

“I am honored and excited to join OL Lyonnes,” said Giráldez. “The club’s history, ambition, and talented squad represent a fantastic opportunity, and I look forward to building on the club’s successes as it enters a new chapter.”

“I am especially proud to see Adrián step into this role. He’s not only a highly skilled coach but also someone who truly embodies the Spirit’s vision and values. I have full confidence he will thrive and continue driving the team forward.”