“He left the familiar to chase the unknown’ is a quote that applies to current Washington Spirit head coach, Jonatan Giráldez, who left the comfort of FC Barcelona, a club where he had won trophy after trophy, in pursuit of a new challenge abroad. Ever since he arrived at Washington Spirit, he has revolutionized the team, with Trinity Rodman in particular, impressed with his methods. 

During his time at Barcelona Femení, Jonatan Giráldez led the team to their first continental quadruple, winning a staggering 130 of the 139 games in charge and 10 trophies under his belt. As his side prepares for the NWSL title fight against Orlando Pride at CPKC stadium, Rodman praised the Gaffer for bringing a fresh vision to the team. 

“I’ve never been coached by someone who truly believes that trainings are more important than games and he is so prideful on that we need everyone, even (if we are) participating for 5 minutes, he still wants us to be a part of it,” said the forward in an interview with ESPN, emphasizing on how the coach helped them understand the power of tactics and not just rely on their athletic attributes. 

“I think we honestly are a team that trains for the trainings and not even for the games in a weird way so that’s what I have taken from him and that’s what sets us up for success” added Rodman, who is among favorites to win the NWSL MVP of the year if the Spirit win their second title. 

In his first-ever match in charge of a club at the top level, his Barcelona side defeated Elche 17-0. While fairytale endings hardly exist in football, it seems like Giráldez is writing his script. If the Spanish coach continues on this path, he’s likely to start a legacy for the Spirit. 

Jonatan Giráldez’s ‘Spirit’ to be tested at CPKC Stadium 

For Trinity Rodman, CPKC Stadium holds some bittersweet memories. The last time she played her against KC Current, a challenge from Temwa Chawinga saw her being escorted off the pitch in a wheelchair. This time she has the opportunity to trade those tears for the one of joy. However, Seb Hines’ Orlando Pride has a pretty clean record against the Spirits. 

With Pride playing in their first NWSL final, the scales tip in their favor. For the past two seasons, Orlando has not lost a single regular meeting against Washington, which is a big improvement to their previous record. Spirits on the other hand have won 5 of the 6 extra-time matches featuring them in NWSL postseason history. 

With the betting favorites leaning towards Jonatan Giráldez’s side, there is a chance that in-form Barbra Banda and Marta could stain the near-perfect record of the Spanish manager. Or perhaps Rodman could come up with another clutch moment, similar to her extra-time assist in the 2021 NWSL final.