Is Maestre the New Manager for London City?

Eder Maestre is set to take the helm as manager of London City Lionesses, following the dismissal of Jocelyn Precheur. Maestre, who recently managed CD Tenerife Femenino in Spain's top tier, is viewed as a potential world-class coach, ideally suited to implement a strong Spanish style at London City. This move comes as the club aims to solidify their position in the Women's Super League after their recent promotion.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The London City Lionesses are poised to appoint Eder Maestre as their new head coach after parting ways with Jocelyn Precheur. This decision comes amidst a promising start to their first season in the Women's Super League (WSL), where they currently sit in sixth place with five wins from 11 matches. Despite this positive performance, the club's management felt that Precheur was not the right fit for the next phase of their development.

Key takeaways

• Eder Maestre is expected to bring a distinct Spanish coaching style to London City.
• Precheur was sacked despite a solid start to the season, indicating a shift in the club's ambitions.
• Maestre has previously managed Real Sociedad and CD Tenerife Femenino, showcasing his experience in women's football.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding the recent developments at London City Lionesses involves a quick look at key dates:

• 2024: Jocelyn Precheur joins London City from Paris St-Germain.
• December 2025: Eder Maestre leaves CD Tenerife Femenino.
• October 2023: Precheur is sacked, paving the way for Maestre's appointment.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant update is the imminent appointment of Eder Maestre as the new manager of London City Lionesses. His strong background in Spanish football and previous managerial experiences are seen as key assets for the club's ambitions.

What was already established

London City Lionesses have been aiming to establish themselves in the Women's Super League following their promotion this season. Under Precheur, the team had shown potential but lacked the direction that the management believes Maestre can provide.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The appointment of Maestre could influence ticket sales and fan engagement at London City, especially if his coaching style leads to improved performances on the pitch. The club's visibility and appeal may increase as they aim to attract a larger fan base in the WSL.

Businesses and jobs

For local businesses, increased attendance at games could lead to higher revenue in the surrounding area, benefiting bars, restaurants, and shops. Furthermore, a successful season may encourage investment in the club and its facilities, leading to job creation within the community.

Policy and regulation

As a professional sports team, London City Lionesses is subject to various regulations governing the Women's Super League. The club's ambitions may require additional compliance with league rules, particularly concerning player transfers and financial fair play, particularly as they aim for long-term sustainability.

Numbers that matter

• 5: Wins for London City this season, indicating a competitive start in the WSL.
• 39: Age of Eder Maestre, highlighting his experience in football management.
• 11: Matches played by London City so far this season, showcasing their early performance metrics.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Women’s Super League (WSL): The top tier of women's football in England, featuring professional clubs.
• CD Tenerife Femenino: The women's team of CD Tenerife, competing in Spain's Primera División Femenina.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, Maestre will need to establish a rapport with the players and implement his coaching philosophy. Fans will be keen to see how quickly he can impact the team's performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the focus will shift to results on the pitch. The club's management will be monitoring performance closely, especially as they aim to secure a strong mid-table finish or better.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming match results, especially against rival teams.
• Player performances and any potential transfer activity during the January window.
• Fan engagement metrics, such as attendance and merchandise sales.

Practical guidance

Do

• Watch upcoming matches to gauge Maestre's impact on the team's performance.
• Engage with club communications for updates on team developments.
• Support local businesses around the stadium on match days.

Don’t

• Assume immediate success; coaching changes can take time to yield results.
• Dismiss the importance of fan engagement in the club's success.
• Neglect to follow player news and potential transfer updates.

Checklist

• Check the match schedule for upcoming fixtures.
• Follow club social media for real-time updates.
• Consider attending matches to support the team.
• Stay informed about player performances and any changes in the squad.
• Engage with fan forums and discussions to share insights and opinions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Maestre is viewed as a promising appointment, there are inherent uncertainties in any managerial change. The adaptation period for both the coach and the players may vary, and performance could fluctuate. Additionally, the pressure to perform in the WSL could lead to challenges that affect team morale and cohesion.

Bottom line

The appointment of Eder Maestre represents a significant shift for London City Lionesses as they aim to solidify their presence in the Women's Super League. With a focus on developing a strong footballing philosophy, his leadership could be pivotal in shaping the club's future. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as the season unfolds.

FAQs

What are Eder Maestre's previous coaching experiences?

Eder Maestre has managed CD Tenerife Femenino and Real Sociedad in Spain, bringing valuable experience to his role at London City Lionesses.

Why was Jocelyn Precheur sacked?

Jocelyn Precheur was dismissed as the club felt he was not the right fit to guide London City through their next phase of development despite a decent start to the season.

What impact could Maestre's appointment have on the team?

Maestre's appointment is expected to bring a strong Spanish footballing style to London City, which may enhance team performance and fan engagement.