London City Lionesses, competing in the Women’s Super League (WSL), have appointed Eder Maestre as their new head coach following the dismissal of Jocelyn Precheur. The 39-year-old Spanish coach joins the club with a contract running until summer 2028 and will oversee his first match on Sunday, 11 January, against Liverpool Women.
Maestre brings a wealth of experience from Spain, having previously managed CD Tenerife Femenino, guiding them to a sixth-place finish in the Primera División Femenina, and also having spells at Real Sociedad. He has held technical and sporting management roles at Spanish clubs Zalla and Sestao River, earning a reputation as a tactically astute coach with a modern Spanish style.
Club’s Ambitions and Vision
London City Lionesses chief executive Martin Semmens welcomed Maestre, highlighting his alignment with the club’s long-term ambitions:
“After a detailed search, it was clear that Eder’s values as a person align with ours, and his vision of what we will see on the pitch will help us reach our ambitious goals,” Semmens said.
The club, promoted to the WSL for the first time this season, currently sits sixth, having recorded five wins from 11 matches in their debut campaign. The appointment of Maestre reflects London City’s desire to implement a possession-based, Spanish-style football approach, focusing on creativity, tactical intelligence, and youth development.
Maestre’s Style and Philosophy
Maestre told London City media:
“Working in English football has always been my goal, and representing this club is a real honour. The project presented to me by the club is one of the best projects in women’s football. The club’s ambitions are clear and aligned with my own, and I am excited to start work.”
The Lionesses aim to emulate the success seen in Europe with clubs like Lyon, mixing possession football with direct attacking play, and Maestre is expected to bring this approach to London City’s squad. The focus is also on developing players and nurturing youth talent to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness at the top level.
Challenges and Expectations
Replacing Precheur mid-season was a bold move, but London City are investing in a long-term project designed to achieve European qualification by 2027. Maestre’s appointment represents a strategic gamble, as he has yet to manage in English football, but his experience in Spain’s top flight and his technical knowledge are expected to accelerate the club’s ambitions.
As London City Lionesses prepare for the second half of the WSL season, all eyes will be on Maestre to see whether he can implement his unique Spanish style and transform the newly promoted side into genuine contenders.
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