LONDON (AP) — London City Lionesses hired Eder Maestre as head coach on Friday, nearly two weeks after the Women’s Super League club surprisingly fired Jocelyn Prêcheur.

Prêcheur had guided London City to promotion and sixth place in the 12-team league halfway through the season, but the club's hierarchy reportedly wanted to upgrade its style of play.

Maestre most recently coached Tenerife's women's team in Spain's top division. The 39-year-old Spaniard had spent three seasons as assistant coach at Real Sociedad's women’s team. He signed a contract through the 2027-28 season.

London City is owned by American businesswoman Michele Kang, who also owns French club Lyon and the Washington Spirit in the United States.

Kang, estimated by Forbes to be worth $1.2 billion, heads Kynisca Sports International, a women-led, multi-team global sports organization.

London City entered the WSL with the blockbuster signing of France midfielder Grace Geyoro from Paris Saint-Germain, making her one of the world’s most expensive female players.

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