Former Celtic Women’s manager Fran Alonso has opened up about his departure from the club and his decision to join Houston Dash as their head coach.
Notwithstanding his strong affinity for Celtic and his significant contribution to the advancement of women’s football in Glasgow, Alonso was not afraid to call attention to problems with the team’s transfer policy, especially with regard to the retention of important players.
Alonso discussed what he saw as a major obstacle while he was at Celtic in an interview with the Behind the Goals podcast. “I found it problematic that we weren’t able to hold on to the talented players we developed.” During my four years there, we lost our best scorer each year, yet Rangers or Glasgow City managed to keep theirs,” Alonso disclosed. This criticism is in line with the feelings of supporters who have also voiced dissatisfaction with the way the team handles transfers, particularly with the women’s squad.
Alonso did not make the choice to quit Celtic lightly. Driven by the appeal of the competition of the American league and the infrastructure and environment afforded by Houston, he acknowledged it as the hardest choice of his career.
“At Celtic, I was content. Although you’re never satisfied with what you achieve, I was pleased with our progress and the direction we were taking. However, if you play women’s football, the American league is the greatest and most competitive in the world.
“That’s the goal, and Houston has the climate and club structure for it. I finally made the choice, but it wasn’t an easy one.
“My family was depressed. My folks had grown to love the Celtics. Now as the grief is gradually fading, the exhilaration is intensifying even further. I have the chance to develop and learn from it. It will present a challenge, but a lovely one.
Under Elena Sadiku, Celtic have now ushered in a new era. Despite having a difficult start to her managerial career, she witnessed her team’s maiden victory this past weekend.
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