London City appoint Maestre as manager

Following Jocelyn Precheur’s dismissal, the London City Lionesses have appointed Eder Maestre as manager.

Maestre, the head of Spanish football, led the club to a sixth-place finish under the auspices of CD Tenerife Femenino in Spain’s top-tier, but he left in December.

The 39-year-old is regarded as a future world-class coach with a strong Spanish style, which London City want to put into practice, according to some.

Prior to joining Real Sociedad in Spain, he also held the position.

Maestre will start his first game against Liverpool in the WSL on Sunday, January 11 with a contract until the summer of 2028.

Emma Sanders

Women’s football news correspondent for BBC Sport

A coach who could help create and deliver a distinctive style of football was what the London City Lionesses needed.

They have been influenced by both Spanish football and its success, as well as the spirited leadership that has helped them win eight Women’s Champions League titles at Lyon, one of the clubs that Michele Kang, a wealthy businesswoman, own.

When they made their replacement for Jocelyn Precheur, a shortlist of coaches was created, and some were not ruled out.

The coach’s ability to work with a wider range of expertise, the player’s development style, and his track record of developing young players and talented youth were the main factors considered.

Maestre showed promise in his potential with Spanish clubs Real Sociedad, Real Sociedad, and London City.

London City have been working on a long-term project under the direction of chief executive officer Martin Semmens to meet their 2020 goals of reaching European competition.