Jonatan Giráldez to leave as coach of Barça Women at the end of the season
Jonatan Giráldez will leave his post as coach of Barça Women at the end of the current season. The blaugrana boss announced the decision in a press conference and will bring to an end a run of three successful and record breaking seasons.
Giráldez came to the Club as an assistant to Lluís Cortés in the youth teams. In 2019 he joined the first team coaching staff as an assistant and was part of the squad that won the league and the cup as well as reaching their first ever European final. Then, in 2021 the team did the treble, winning the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the league title in Barça Women's best ever season.
In July 2021 Giráldez became first team coach and in his debut season the team won the league, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, as well as being runners-up in the Champions League. In his second season, 2022/23, the team took the league title once again, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup in another successful season for the blaugranes.
Jonatan Giráldez: In his own words
Giráldez says that even though an extension to his contract was practically sorted out with FC Barcelona, he ultimately decided it was time for a change. "I informed the club that I don't intend to renew my contract" he explained at a Monday press conference. "I want to leave them enough time to sort things out and find the best possible future. Last Friday I told the players and staff about the situation. I wanted them to know the reasons for my decision.”
“I have a magnificent relationship with the players and staff and everyone else at the club. I am very happy to be here, because of the fans and because of what we aim for each season. I feel privileged and fortunate to be here."
“First of all, I'd like to thank the president, because he wanted me to extend my contract. And also the members of the board, and Xavi Puig, because of his weekly monitoring and supporting us with all our decisions, and Markel Zubizarreta, who is the reason why I'm here, and Xavi Budó, for always respecting my decisions, and Marc Vivés.”
"I am hoping that my fondest memory of my time here has yet to come later this season. I hope these last few months are the best of all. We want to win every title. For me, the highlight is the Champions League final. Eight days before that I had become a father and then we made that comeback in Eindhoven. It was the most special moment of my life."