London City Lionesses appoint Maestre to replace Precheur

The London City Lionesses have appointed former Tenerife head coach Eder Maestre as their new boss following the surprise dismissal of Jocelyn Precheur before Christmas.

The Lionesses sacked Precheur on December 21 despite sitting sixth in the table midway through their debut Women’s Super League campaign.

In the statement confirming Precheur’s departure, the Lionesses said the change was not results-based but instead made with one eye on the future.

And they have now confirmed 39-year-old Maestre as their new boss ahead of returning to WSL action against struggling Liverpool on January 11.

Maestre left Tenerife in December, having previously coached Real Sociedad.

He is viewed as an exciting coaching prospect in the Spanish game, having led Tenerife into the top half of the Liga F table – they are currently fifth, only behind Barcelona, Real Madrid, La Real and Atletico Madrid.

Maestre said in a press release: “I am delighted to join London City Lionesses. Working in English football has always been my goal, and representing this club is a real honour.

Eder’s first moments at London City. pic.twitter.com/sqw7QMNl1F

— London City Lionesses (@LC_Lionesses) January 2, 2026

“In my opinion, the project presented to me by the club is one of the best projects in women’s football. The club’s ambitions are clear and aligned with my own, and I am excited to start work.

“Solid foundations are already in place here. I believe we have all the ingredients to continue creating something very powerful. Our aim now is to work together to reach our goals in the next stage of London City’s development.

“Our fans are going to be hugely important during the second half of the season. I look forward to meeting them at our away matches in Liverpool and Sunderland, and then at the CopperJax Community Stadium in Bromley against Manchester City.”