London City Lionesses have made a surprising managerial change, sacking head coach Jocelyn Precheur midway through their debut Women’s Super League (WSL) season. This decision marks a significant moment for the club as they continue their journey in England’s top-flight women’s football.

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Jocelyn Precheur Leaves London City Lionesses

The club announced that Jocelyn Precheur, 43, who led the Lionesses to promotion in the 2024-25 season, would no longer serve as manager. Players and staff were officially informed of the decision on Sunday.

While the decision has raised eyebrows, reports suggest that the club’s leadership did not act due to poor results. Instead, London City appears to be shifting toward long-term strategic planning, believing Precheur may not be the ideal manager to steer them through the next stage of development in the WSL.

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London City’s WSL Performance

Despite the shock decision, London City currently sit in sixth place, boasting five wins from 11 matches in their debut WSL campaign. Under Precheur, the team has established itself as a competitive side in the league, demonstrating potential to challenge more established clubs.

Precheur joined London City in 2024 from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing international experience and helping the Lionesses secure promotion to the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history.

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Ambitious Plans Under Owner Michele Kang

The managerial change comes amid ongoing investment and ambition from club owner Michele Kang, a multi-club owner with an estimated net worth of $1.2bn (£890m). Kang purchased London City in December 2023 when the club was facing financial difficulties and on the verge of liquidation.

Former England winger Sue Smith told BBC Radio 5 Live that Kang’s vision for the club is “to be among the best in the WSL.” Smith added:

“When you see a new team coming up, you think give the manager time to work with these players and get them up the league. But when you listen to Michele, she always talks about London City Lionesses as a team that’s going to challenge at the top of the table, not a team that’s going to consolidate in the league.”

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London City Lionesses: A Unique WSL Club

London City Lionesses are unique in the WSL as they are the only fully independent team without an affiliated men’s team. They were promoted as winners of last season’s Championship, now known as WSL 2, and play their home matches at Hayes Lane, a stadium they share with Bromley FC.

The club’s transformation under Kang has been remarkable, with significant investment aimed at establishing London City as a top contender in women’s football in England.

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What’s Next for London City Lionesses?

With Precheur’s departure, the club reportedly already has a replacement lined up. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the managerial change can help London City climb higher in the Women’s Super League standings and fulfill Kang’s ambitions of becoming one of the WSL’s leading clubs.

So far this season, London City has recorded five wins and six losses in the league, highlighting both potential and areas for improvement as they continue their WSL journey.