London City Lionesses have confirmed they have parted ways with head coach Jocelyn Prêcheur, despite the newly promoted side sitting sixth in the Women’s Super League at the halfway point of the season.
In a statement released by the club, London City said no further comment would be made at this stage and that updates regarding the club’s coaching structure would be communicated in due course. Prêcheur’s coaching staff have also departed.
Prêcheur was appointed at a pivotal moment in the club’s development and played a central role in shaping its recent history. Under his leadership, London City achieved a historic promotion to the Barclays Women’s Super League last season, becoming the first independent club without an affiliated men’s side to reach the top tier of English women’s football in the professional era.
This season, London City have exceeded many external expectations. Commonly, newly promoted sides struggle to bridge the gap in quality and resources and are often relegated on the first attempt. Instead, London City have held their own against established WSL teams, winning five of their first 11 matches and sitting sixth in the table at the midway point.
The decision comes as a surprise given their league position, although it is understood the club’s leadership did not base the call on short-term results. Those close to the situation believe the decision was taken with the club’s long-term strategic direction in mind, and that Prêcheur was not the right coach to guide the next phase of development.
Players and staff were informed of the decision on Sunday, and it is understood the club already has a replacement lined up.
Prêcheur, 43, joined London City in 2024 from Paris Saint-Germain and was part of the club during a period of significant transformation under majority owner Michele Kang. Kang, whose wealth has been estimated at $1.2bn, purchased the club in December 2023 when London City were close to liquidation and has since overseen significant investment and professionalisation.
London City are one of several women’s clubs owned by Kang, alongside Lyon and Washington Spirit, and remains the only WSL side without an affiliated men’s team. They play their home matches at Hayes Lane, which they share with Bromley.
The dismissal follows two narrow league defeats, 1-0 away to Leicester City and 1-0 at home to Brighton and Hove Albion. It comes just days after West Ham United parted ways with Rehanne Skinner, making Prêcheur the second WSL manager to leave their role in the space of four days.
Despite the recent losses, London City’s league position reflects a strong first season in the top flight. Their next fixture is a trip to bottom-of-the-table Liverpool on Wednesday 14 January, followed by an FA Cup fourth-round tie away at Sunderland on Saturday 17 January.
Add comment
Comments