On Friday, Atlanta United made a significant decision in its quest for MLS success by appointing Ronny Deila as its new head coach through the 2027 season. Deila, who previously brought home the MLS Cup for New York City FC in 2021, is set to leverage his extensive experience to guide Atlanta United into a promising future. Garth Lagerwey, the club’s president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm regarding the selection, citing Deila’s proven success across various leagues as a pivotal reason behind the hire.
Deila’s coaching career spans 17 years, during which he has accumulated an impressive collection of six trophies. His tenure at Celtic in the Scottish Premiership is particularly noteworthy; he clinched two league titles and the Scottish League Cup during his time there. The skills Deila brings from these experiences are expected to align perfectly with Atlanta United’s ambition of building a team that not only competes effectively in the MLS but also captures trophies on a consistent basis.
During his introductory statements, Deila expressed gratitude towards Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for the opportunity presented to him. His excitement for rejoining MLS was palpable; he highlighted the league’s competitiveness and his eagerness to engage with Atlanta’s talented roster. Deila’s vision resonates well with the club’s ambitions, aiming to advance its stature and influence in North American soccer. His perspective on maintaining high standards dovetails with Atlanta’s aspirations to continuously drive the league’s evolution forward.
In conjunction with Deila’s hiring, Atlanta United is actively enhancing its squad. The acquisition of Polish midfielder Mateusz Klich from D.C. United reflects this intent. Klich joins the team in exchange for a first-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft and brings with him a wealth of experience, having previously made a noteworthy impact at Leeds United and competing in various international leagues. His six goals and 22 assists in 63 appearances during the past season underline his capabilities, making him a valuable asset for Deila as he embarks on this new journey.
With Deila now at the helm, combined with strategic player acquisitions, Atlanta United is poised for a revitalized campaign in upcoming MLS seasons. The club’s leadership appears committed to fostering a robust environment conducive to sustained success. By not only focusing on tactics but also developing a cohesive unit, Atlanta United seems determined to rise as a formidable force in Major League Soccer, mindful of the lessons learned from past seasons and the promising opportunities that lie ahead. Under Deila’s guidance, the club is setting the stage for an exciting new era, with aspirations for silverware firmly in place.