On Sunday, Atlanta United made the decision to fire head coach Ronny Deila, one day after the end of a 5-13-16 season. It marked his debut season at the helm of the club. The team managed only a single victory across its last 18 games and ended the campaign with 28 points, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference standings.
High Hopes Dashed During the Campaign
Great anticipation surrounded this season following the appointment of Deila, a coach with an MLS Cup victory to his name. The team paid a reported $22m transfer fee for forward Emmanuel Latte Lath from Championship side Middlesbrough FC and brought back Miguel Almirón from Premier League outfit Newcastle United.
Club Leadership Explains Move
According to club CEO and president Garth Lagerwey, a global search for a replacement would begin immediately.
“It was evident that our standard of play was not met this season, and together with our senior leadership team, we have decided that it was in Atlanta United’s best interest to move the team in a different direction,” Lagerwey said in a statement released by the team. “Ultimately, we owe our fans a much better on-field product and it is our unwavering commitment to provide that to this community as soon as possible.”
Lagerwey expressed gratitude to Deila for his dedication and service to the club and wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Season Finale Marks Goalkeeper’s Exit
The season ended with Saturday night’s 1-1 draw with DC United which was the last match for veteran goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who announced his retirement on Tuesday.
Coach’s Career Path and Short Stint
Atlanta United brought Deila on board on December 20, 2024. The move brought Deila back to Major League Soccer three years after he guided New York City FC to an MLS Cup title in 2021. After leaving NYC FC, he had spells with Standard Liége and Club Brugge, staying at each club for under a year. He came to MLS after a career in European soccer that included two years in charge of Celtic.
He signed a three-year contract with Atlanta, taking over from Rob Valentino, who had been the interim coach following Gonzalo Pineda's dismissal in June 2024.
Earlier Achievements and Recent Drought
Atlanta United had immediate success after entering the league in 2017, making the playoffs in its debut season and winning the MLS Cup the following year. The club also set numerous league attendance records.
The team has not won any silverware since the 2019 season, when it captured both the US Open Cup and Campeones Cup and also advanced to the MLS Eastern Conference final.
