Atlanta United FC has announced the appointment of Ronny Deila as the club's new head coach, following the dismissal of Gonzalo Pineda during the 2024 MLS season. Deila, who previously led New York City FC (NYCFC) to the MLS Cup championship in 2021, brings with him extensive coaching experience and accolades from both domestic and international leagues. His contract with Atlanta United will extend through the 2027 MLS season.
Club President and CEO Garth Lagerwey expressed enthusiasm about the hiring, stating, "We’re thrilled to welcome Ronny as the new head coach of Atlanta United. He has a proven track record of winning in multiple leagues around the world, including the 2021 MLS Cup with NYCFC, and his knowledge of MLS was a key factor in our search." Lagerwey emphasized Deila's philosophy of play as aligning with the club's ambitions to consistently compete for trophies.
Before joining Atlanta United, Deila had stints at clubs like Standard Liège and Club Brugge in Belgium and most recently managed Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates. He previously amassed significant achievements during his tenure at Celtic FC, where he secured consecutive Scottish league titles and domestic cup honors. Deila's coaching career began at Strømsgodset, where he led the team to win the Norwegian Cup and the league title.
Deila's history of success was highlighted by Lagerwey, who noted, "Ronny’s been excellent wherever he’s been. He is formationally and tactically flexible," fulfilling the club's desire for someone with consistent success. At NYCFC, his record stood at 46 wins, 29 losses, and 15 draws, earning accolades for his team's competitive spirit. Following his departure from NYCFC, where he left to coach `Standard Liege`, Deila expressed eagerness to return to MLS, recounting, "This is a club with great ownership, excellent facilities, and the ambition to succeed and continue to drive the league forward. I’m happy to return to MLS, and I’m eager to arrive and get to work with our group of players."
Deila joins Atlanta United amid expectations to revive the club's fortunes after they finished the 2024 campaign with disappointing results, only just qualifying for the playoffs. Sporting Director Chris Henderson noted the importance of collaboration between the coaching staff, the front office, and player acquisitions. Deila will lead efforts to bring new talent to the squad, with two Designated Player slots and a multimillion-dollar budget for player transactions. He hinted at targeting attacking players with leadership qualities during the upcoming transfer season.
The appointment of Deila is viewed as Atlanta United's strategy to reclaim its dominance within Major League Soccer, aiming to achieve the success they experienced under previous head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino. The club has struggled with consistency and performance since Martino's departure, with previous high-profile coaches like Frank de Boer and Gabriel Heinze not replicable successes. Following the end of the 2024 season, interim coach Rob Valentino led the team through the playoffs, putting up commendable performances but not enough to secure their championship aspirations.
Deila's coaching style emphasizes offensive play and team cohesion, as he seeks to create a competitive environment. "When you’re at a big club, you have to love to play and love to go on the pitch," Deila expressed. "If you lose but have put everything on the field, then you have to get even stronger. Creating an identity and development for both less experienced and seasoned players will be key to our advancement."
His predecessor, Pineda, has been credited with establishing the team spirit necessary for success, and Deila looks to build on this foundation. He aims to instill leadership qualities among the players and to involve them more actively in the club culture, believing it to be important for their progression.
With the 2025 season quickly approaching, Atlanta United fans have much to look forward to with Deila at the helm. The club appears poised for significant changes, both on the field and within its structure, to maximize their potential and competitiveness. Deila's track record and commitment to fostering talent present promising prospects for the Five Stripes moving forward.
