After hiring one of the most sought-after head coaches in women’s soccer, the Washington Spirit have signed his assistant, Adri谩n Gonz谩lez, who will manage the team on an interim basis, to open the 2024 season.
Gonz谩lez will be in charge of the Spirit through the start of the NWSL season until Washington’s permanent manger, Jonatan Gir谩ldez, arrives at the conclusion of FC Barcelona Femen铆’s season in mid-June.
Gonz谩lez will join Spirit players for preseason training in San Diego shortly.
“My aim is to help the club become the best onplayer development both personally and professionally,” Gonz谩lez said in a statement. “I am looking forward to optimizing player performance and helping the Spirit family to achieve a lot of success.鈥�
Gonz谩lez heads to D.C. after leading Spanish second-division side RCD Espanyol as its head coach. The Periquitos currently sit tied for first place and is in position for a promotion back into the first division. On Sunday, he announced that he , with a feeling of “great pride and satisfaction.”
He has been involved in multiple positions in the sport for more than 15 years, starting off as a youth coach before becoming part of the coaching staff for Espanyol’s U-23 men’s team and its performance optimization department director. He has also coached in Greece and Japan.
In a statement, Washington touts his “extensive academic training” following his time as a professor and instructor for training and football methodology. He holds a UEFA A coaching license and has a degree in sports science and two master’s degrees in sports management and financial intelligence.
鈥淗is extensive global experience and his strong leadership skills will make an immediate impact on our team,鈥� President of Soccer Operations Mark Krikorian said in a statement. 鈥淭ogether Jona and Adri谩n bring a style of play that will propel our progress and help us achieve our goals.鈥�
Gonz谩lez will be managing a Spirit roster that recently traded midfielder Ashley Sanchez and defender Sam Stabb in two blockbuster moves during the NWSL Draft. It allowed Washington to make six selections, picking some of the best young talent out of high school or college.
Washington is set to open its season on March 16.
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