Giráldez Fully Focused on Barça Amidst Controversy

Amidst the unfolding ‘Rubiales case,’ the Spanish national team finds solace in Jonatan Giráldez’s unwavering commitment to the FC Barcelona cause. However, amidst the recent whirlwind, Giráldez himself made headlines by confirming his impending departure from the Catalan club.

Giráldez’s venture with the Washington Spirit, starting June 30, is already sailing smoothly. Since the commencement of the league season in the United States on March 17, the capital’s team has secured two victories and suffered one defeat, placing them fourth in the table with six points, trailing only the Kansas City Current (9), Chicago Red Stars (7), and North Carolina Courage (also 6).

Recent news includes the signing of Leicy Santos from Atlético Madrid upon the conclusion of the Spanish season. Santos, still vying to secure Champions League qualification for her current team, has committed to a three-year deal and aims to become a star for the Washington outfit. Giráldez’s role as coach played a pivotal part in her decision, as revealed by ‘Relevo.’ Despite potentially more lucrative offers elsewhere, Santos was swayed by the Spirit’s promising sporting project, known for its attractive style of play.

However, controversy arose when statements attributed to Giráldez regarding Santos’s signing surfaced. Although commonplace in American sports news, it was confirmed that the Galician coach did not make those remarks. Disturbed by the misrepresentation, Giráldez clarified that his sole focus remains on FC Barcelona until his tenure concludes.

His sights set firmly on Barcelona’s quest for a historic quadruple, Giráldez is fully engrossed in preparations for the upcoming Champions League semifinals against Chelsea. With the first leg scheduled at the Estadi Olímpic de Montjuïc on April 20 and the return leg at Stamford Bridge on April 27, Giráldez is determined to guide his team to success and dreams of being in Bilbao for the final on May 25.

Having expressed his discontent to the Spirit, who promptly retracted the erroneous statements, Giráldez emphasizes that any official statements regarding the team’s affairs should come from Adrián González, the current head coach and Giráldez’s future assistant. With unwavering faith in González’s abilities, Giráldez is resolute in his commitment to Barcelona and his aspiration to conquer all domestic and European fronts.