Atlanta United Sacks Manager Ronny Deila Following A Single Disappointing Campaign
Atlanta United coach Ronny Deila was fired Sunday, one day after the end of a 5-13-16 season. This was the manager’s first season in charge of the team. The club had posted just one win in its past 18 matches and finished with 28 points, good for 14th place in the Eastern Conference.
Expectations Not Met for the Season
There were high expectations for the season after the club hired an MLS Cup-winning coach in Deila. The team paid a reported $22m transfer fee for forward Emmanuel Latte Lath from Championship side Middlesbrough FC and re-signed Miguel Almirón from English Premier League side Newcastle United.
Club Leadership Announces Decision
According to club CEO and president Garth Lagerwey, the hunt for a new coach will start right away and will be worldwide.
“Clearly, our performance levels fell short this year, so, in consultation with our top management, we concluded that a new direction is best for Atlanta United,” Lagerwey stated in an official club release. “In the end, our supporters deserve a significantly improved team on the field and we are fully dedicated to delivering that to our community without delay.”
Lagerwey expressed gratitude to Deila for his dedication and service to the club and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Campaign Conclusion Marks Goalkeeper’s Exit
The campaign concluded with a 1-1 tie against DC United on Saturday evening in the final appearance by longtime goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Deila’s Background and Short Stint
Deila was hired by Atlanta United on 20 December, 2024. This marked his return to MLS, three years following his MLS Cup win with New York City FC in 2021. After leaving NYC FC, he had spells with Standard Liége and Club Brugge, with his tenure at each club lasting less than a year. He came to MLS after a career in European soccer that included two years in charge of Celtic.
Deila was given a three-year deal in Atlanta to replace Rob Valentino, who served as interim coach after Gonzalo Pineda was fired in June 2024.
Earlier Achievements and Recent Drought
Atlanta United had immediate success after entering the league in 2017, reaching the playoffs in their first year and securing the MLS Cup the next. The club also set numerous league attendance records.
Atlanta hasn’t claimed a trophy since the 2019 season, when it captured both the US Open Cup and Campeones Cup in addition to making a run to the MLS Eastern Conference final.