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Adrián González announces his departure from RCD Espanyol
The women's first team head coach will step down this month to take up an "irresistible" offer
Adrián González announced on Thursday that he will no longer be the coach of the RCD Espanyol women's first team.
The Femení head coach explained that he has received an offer from an international club, which he will take up in the coming weeks upon the payment of his release clause. González’s final match will be at home to Fundación Albacete Femenino on Sunday 21st January, and from thereon, Juan Ignacio Ibarra will be the new head coach of Espanyol Femení.
Speaking in a press conference at the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque, González said, “I have received an international offer that fits me well at the personal moment I am in. It is not the timing I would have liked and this is a sad day for me, as I feel uncomfortable about how or when. But I did not have the luxury to be able to make that decision; I tried to arrange it as I wanted but it was not possible”.
He added, “It is an unexpected decision and with little time. I feel bad because of the love I have for the Club. In eight seasons I have been able to work with great coaches, male and female players. In this last chapter I was able to boost my career. I am very grateful to the Club for the trust, above all, to Dolors [Ribalta] and Carol [Miranda].
“I know it was a risky bet. Thank you for your humanity, work and professionalism. The bond generated with the squad has been very nice. We have gone from being a group to a team in all capital letters. I hope that all the teams can have that feeling of belonging that we have had on a daily basis. It has been a pleasure to see you grow and see your dedication on a daily basis. If I now have this opportunity it is thanks to you. Eternally grateful. I am and I will be despite the distance”.
González concluded, “I will take many things from this, it has been a new experience for me. From the first day I said that it was a challenge for me to be in a new and different environment like women's football. I have had many experiences on a professional level and especially on a personal level. For me, a new door opens on a professional level and experiences that I believe are very powerful, especially at an effective level, that in a short time have allowed me to grow a lot on a personal level and boost my career as a coach”.
Women’s football director, Dolors Ribalta, said of González, “We are very grateful for how you have handled this. You have left a good legacy and you leave us looking to the future with great optimism. We fully trust the players and the staff. We know that you will take a step forward in this”.