Atlanta United coach Ronny Deila was fired Sunday, just a day following the conclusion of a season that ended with a 5-13-16 record. 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 ended the campaign with 28 points, placing them 14th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Expectations Not Met During the Campaign
There were high expectations for the season after the club hired an MLS Cup-winning coach in Deila. A reported $22 million was spent to acquire forward Emmanuel Latte Lath from English club Middlesbrough FC and re-signed Miguel Almirón from English Premier League side Newcastle United.
Club Leadership Explains Move
Atlanta United CEO and president Garth Lagerwey said, 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 a new direction is best for Atlanta United,” Lagerwey said in a statement released by the team. “Ultimately, we owe our fans a much better on-field product and we are fully dedicated to delivering that to our community without delay.”
Lagerwey said he thanked Deila “for his time and commitment to the organization and wished him success in his future career.”
Campaign Conclusion 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 had revealed his retirement plans earlier in the week.
Deila’s Background and Brief Tenure
Deila was hired by Atlanta United on 20 December, 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. Deila left NYC FC shortly thereafter for Standard Liége and then Club Brugge, with his tenure at each club lasting less than a year. Before MLS, his European career included a two-year period leading Celtic.
He signed a three-year contract with Atlanta, taking over from Rob Valentino, who served as interim coach after Gonzalo Pineda was fired in June 2024.
Past Successes and Trophy Dry Spell
Upon joining the league in 2017, Atlanta United enjoyed instant success, reaching the playoffs in their first year and securing the MLS Cup the next. The club also set numerous league attendance records.
The team has not won any silverware since the 2019 season, during which they lifted both the US Open Cup and the Campeones Cup in addition to making a run to the MLS Eastern Conference final.
