What’s Next for London City After Precheur's Departure?

The recent sacking of Jocelyn Precheur by the London City Lionesses has ignited debate about the club's ambitious approach to women's football. With significant investment and aspirations to compete at the highest levels, the decision raises questions about whether it was a strategic move for long-term success or a hasty reaction from a club eager to assert itself in the Women's Super League (WSL).

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The London City Lionesses are currently navigating their inaugural season in the WSL, having sacked manager Jocelyn Precheur after 18 months in charge. The club, now under the leadership of chief executive officer Martin Semmens and global sporting director Markel Zubizarreta, is set to appoint Eder Maestre as the new head coach. This move aligns with their strategy to develop a unique football identity that mirrors the successful styles of their larger parent clubs, particularly Lyon.

Key takeaways

Jocelyn Precheur was sacked despite a respectable start to the season.
London City Lionesses aim to adopt a style of play similar to that of Spanish football giants.
Eder Maestre is expected to take over, focusing on player development and collaborative coaching.
The club is targeting future stars in upcoming transfer windows to build for long-term success.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of the London City Lionesses' recent developments is as follows:

August 2022: Jocelyn Precheur appointed as head coach.
May 2023: London City Lionesses secure promotion to the WSL.
September 2023: Club begins the WSL season with five wins from eleven matches.
October 2023: Precheur is sacked; Eder Maestre is lined up as the new head coach.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The decision to dismiss Precheur marks a significant shift in the club's management approach. Sources indicate that the club has been contemplating a change for some time, driven by a desire to implement a playing style that aligns more closely with their ambitious vision.

What was already established

Prior to his sacking, Precheur had successfully guided the Lionesses through WSL 2 and into the top tier, achieving a solid start in their debut WSL season. However, the club's leadership felt that his style did not align with their long-term goals.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the direct impact on consumers may not be immediate, the club’s ambition could lead to increased interest and attendance at matches, as well as heightened local and national engagement with the women’s game. Enhanced performances could also lead to better broadcasting deals and sponsorships.

Businesses and jobs

The sacking of Precheur may also affect jobs within the club, as new staff members, including analysts and medical experts, will likely be brought in alongside Maestre. The club's investment in talent and infrastructure aims to boost its competitive edge in the league.

Policy and regulation

As a club operating under the stringent regulations of the WSL, London City must navigate the organisational structure carefully, especially concerning player recruitment and compliance with financial fair play rules. The upcoming appointment of Maestre could bring changes to recruitment policies aimed at fostering a winning culture.

Numbers that matter

5: Wins achieved by London City Lionesses in their first 11 WSL matches this season.
18: Months Jocelyn Precheur spent as the Lionesses' head coach.
2026: Target year for the club to reach European competition.
8: Clubs owned by Michele Kang, including Lyon and Washington Spirit.
3: Champions League titles won by Lyon, showcasing the level of success the Lionesses aspire to emulate.

Definitions and jargon buster

WSL: Women’s Super League, the top tier of women’s football in England.
CEO: Chief Executive Officer, the highest-ranking executive in a company.
Football Identity: The distinct style and philosophy a club adopts in its playing approach.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, expect the club to finalise Maestre's appointment and begin integrating him into their existing structures. The focus will be on aligning coaching methods with the club's ambitions and starting recruitment for January.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the club will need to monitor player performances under the new regime. This period will also be crucial for establishing the foundational elements of the desired playing style and integrating new signings.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics of the team in upcoming matches.
Recruitment activity during the January transfer window.
Coaching staff appointments and changes in training methodologies.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the club's progress and changes in management.
Attend matches to support the team and witness the evolution of their playing style.
Engage with club communications for updates on player signings and coaching strategies.

Don’t

Assume that the sacking of Precheur reflects solely on his abilities; organisational ambitions also play a crucial role.
Overlook the potential impact of new signings and coaching changes on team performance.
Neglect to consider the broader context of women's football growth in the UK.

Checklist

Review squad changes and new arrivals at London City Lionesses.
Follow news on the appointment of Eder Maestre and his coaching philosophy.
Monitor performance in upcoming fixtures for signs of improvement.
Engage with fan communities for insights and discussions.
Consider attending games to support the club during this transitional phase.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the club's ambitious strategy may yield positive results, there are inherent risks involved with such a significant leadership change. Transitioning to a new coaching style may take time, and initial performance dips could occur as players adapt. Additionally, the long-term vision of reaching European competition is an ambitious target that may not materialise without consistent investment and development.

Bottom line

The sacking of Jocelyn Precheur signals a bold step by the London City Lionesses as they pursue a transformative strategy aimed at establishing themselves as a competitive force in women's football. The club's focus on ambition, style, and player development reflects a desire to break new ground in the WSL, but the success of these decisions will ultimately depend on the effectiveness of their new leadership and player recruitment strategies.

FAQs

Why was Jocelyn Precheur sacked?

Jocelyn Precheur was sacked primarily due to the club's desire for a coaching style that aligns more closely with their long-term ambitions of competing at the highest levels, rather than for poor performance.

Who is Eder Maestre?

Eder Maestre is a coach expected to be appointed as the new head coach of London City Lionesses, known for his experience with Spanish clubs and a focus on player development.

What are the club's ambitions for the future?

London City Lionesses aim to reach European competition by 2026, focusing on establishing a unique football identity and competing for silverware in the WSL.