Atlanta appoint former MLS Cup winner Deila as new head coach

Atlanta United have named MLS Cup winner Ronny Deila as their new head coach, appointing the former New York City FC boss on Friday.

Deila, who previously managed UAE Pro League side Al Wahda, has signed a three-year deal with the Five Stripes as they look to improve on their 2024 regular season.

Atlanta finished ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, but beat Inter Miami on their way to the MLS playoff semi-finals before falling to defeat against Orlando City.

Interim head coach Rob Valentino took charge of the club in June after Atlanta chose to part ways with Gonzalo Pineda following a difficult run of results.

Valentino oversaw 26 games in all competitions, winning nine of those encounters (D6 L11), averaging 1.27 points per game during his time at the helm.

A new era – get on board. #ATLUTD hires Ronny Deila as Head Coach pic.twitter.com/OMjIisUByk

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 20, 2024

Deila arrives at the club with managerial pedigree, having taken charge of 633 games in his career, winning eight major honours along the way.

In his previous stint in MLS, Deila won 46 of his 90 games in charge of NYCFC (D15 L29), ending his time at the club with a win percentage of 51.1%, only managing a better ratio with Club Brugge (57.14%), Brodd (58.33%) and Celtic (64.41%).

He also led the Pigeons to their maiden MLS Cup triumph in 2021, with NYCFC beating Portland Timbers on penalties at Providence Park.

“I want to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for this opportunity and couldn’t be more excited to join Atlanta United,” Deila said.

“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, a competitive league that I enjoy, and I’m eager to arrive and get to work with our group of players.”