Atlanta United announced MLS Cup winner Ronny Deila as their new head coach, hiring 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 their 2024 regular season.
Atlanta finished ninth in the Eastern Conference standings, but defeated Inter Miami en route to the MLS playoff semifinals before losing to Orlando City.
Interim head coach Rob Valentino took over the club in June after Atalanta decided to part ways with Gonzalo Pineda after a difficult run of results.
Valentino has overseen 26 games in all competitions, winning nine of those encounters (D6 L11), averaging 1.27 points per game during his time in charge.
A new era – get on board. #ATLUTD Ronny appointed Deila as head coach pic.twitter.com/OMjIisUByk
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 20, 2024
Deila comes to the club with managerial pedigree, having taken charge of 633 games in his career, winning eight major honours.
During his previous stint in MLS, Deila won 46 of 90 games in charge of NYCFC (D15 L29), finishing his time at the club with a 51.1% win percentage, only managing a better ratio with Club Brugge (57.14%), Broad (58.33 %) and Celtic (64.41%).
In 2021 he led the Pigeons to their first MLS Cup win, defeating the Portland Timbers on penalties at NYCFC Providence Park.
“I would like to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for this opportunity and could not be more excited to join Atlanta United,” said Deila.
“This is a club with great ownership, great facilities and an ambition to succeed and take the league forward.
“I’m happy to be back in MLS, a competitive league that I enjoy, and I look forward to reaching out and working with the players on our team.”
