Praising NWSL, Washington Spirit Boss Exposes Liga F’s Shortcomings- “Don’t Have the Freedom”

In the world of soccer, comparisons between leagues are inevitable. The competition isn’t just about individual talent but also about how the league fosters growth and encourages players. Do you agree? One such intriguing comparison was recently made by the Washington Spirit’s boss. After his move from Barcelona to the NWSL, he recently offered insight into the differences between the NWSL and Liga F in Spain. The context is more than just a difference in skill levels, it’s about the structure, growth, and vision each league holds.

As a coach of the Barca women’s team, he achieved 130 wins from 139 games, where he led Barcelona to a domestic treble in the 2021–22 season and a continental quadruple in the 2023–24 season, showing he’s no stranger to success. Moreover, in his debut season with Washington Spirit, the 33-year-old nearly handed the club its second title, only falling short in the final. So when a coach with such a successful background speaks, it carries weight- doesn’t it?

For a coach who has seen both sides of the coin, it’s easy to understand why he sees the NWSL as a league that is catching up quickly and even outpacing others in terms of its potential. In a conversation with AS, Jonatan Giraldez took time to reflect on the differences between the NWSL and Spain’s Liga F. In his view, the salary cap and equal spending limits among teams foster a tightly contested environment.

“The league is more competitive here as all the teams have the same amount of money to spend, you don’t have the freedom to invest in players, there is a salary cap. That’s why the games are so close because it’s a very, very equal league.” The minimal gap between the strongest and weakest teams.

Illustrating this, Giraldez pointed out how last year’s top teams, San Diego and Portland, dropped places this season. “There’s very little difference between first and last. Last year San Diego and Portland finished first and second, and this year Portland finished seventh and San Diego tenth.”

Following a fruitful time at FC Barcelona, Jonatan Giráldez became head coach of the Washington Spirit in early 2024 and achieved a decisive 3-0 victory over Bay FC on his NWSL debut. With a second-place finish and a trip to the final, the Washington Spirit have improved as a more competitive squad under Giraldez’s direction.

Giráldez on coaching Trinity Rodman’s with Washington DC

After guiding Barcelona to four championships, the 33-year-old felt like he needed a new challenge and NWSL was certainly the top choice. Over the years in Barcelona, he helped a lot of great players show their real abilities, and under his term lot of players like Alexia Putellas, Aitana Bonmati, Graham Hansen, and many more. Now that he has arrived in Washington he certainly has the services of Trinity Rodman, one of the most promising American players.

Speaking about Trinity Rodman’s unique capabilities, Giraldez expressed, “She has some differential physical conditions that I honestly hadn’t seen. She has the ability to accelerate when she’s sprinting, that is, change her pace in full flight.“

Beyond her physical prowess, Rodman’s charisma and fan engagement elevate her profile even further. “She’s very media savvy and always attentive to the fans, who always stays at the end of the game. That also attracts people and here in the United States it’s very important.”

So, as per Jonatan Giraldez, the NWSL’s structural equality, including a salary cap and equal spending limits, creates a unique competitive environment. Do you agree?