Barcelona Women's head coach Jonatan Giraldez has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old joined the Blaugrana ranks as an assistant to Lluis Cortes in 2019, having previously made his first foray into management by taking charge of the Catalonia Under-12 team.
Under Cortes's wing, Giraldez helped Barcelona achieve a historic treble in the 2020-21 season, after which the latter took the top job following Cortes's exit, and he has continued to deliver sustained success to La Blaugrana.
The Spaniard led Barcelona to a Primera Division, Champions League and Supercopa de Espana treble in the 2022-23 campaign, prior to which the Catalonian giants won the former and latter trophy - as well as a Copa de la Reina - in 2021-22.
However, Giraldez will now be pursuing a new adventure once his contract expires at the end of the current campaign, telling reporters on Monday: "I informed the club that I don't intend to renew my contract.
"I want to leave them enough time to sort things out and find the best possible future. Last Friday I told the players and staff about the situation. I wanted them to know the reasons for my decision."
When asked about speculation surrounding a potential job in the National Women's Soccer League in the USA, Giraldez kept his cards close to his chest, adding: "I can only say it's outside of Europe. I would not want to compete against Barca."
Barcelona have won all 12 of their opening games in the 2023-24 Liga F season, as well as taking nine points from nine in Champions League Group A so far.
Ben Knapton
