Atlanta United Appoints Ronny Deila as New Head Coach

Atlanta United has officially announced the appointment of Ronny Deila as its new head coach, marking an exciting chapter for the club as they aim to regain their spot as contenders in Major League Soccer (MLS). With over 17 years of managerial experience across various leagues and six prestigious trophies to his name—including four league championships and two domestic cups—Deila's track record speaks for itself.

The 49-year-old Norwegian returns to the MLS after leading New York City FC to the pinnacle of success by clinching the 2021 MLS Cup. His contract with Atlanta United extends through the 2027 MLS season, and he will report directly to the club's President and CEO, Garth Lagerwey.

“Welcoming Ronny as our new head coach is a thrilling moment for us,” said Lagerwey. “His proven success across multiple leagues and his familiarity with MLS were crucial factors in our decision. We are confident that his coaching philosophy aligns perfectly with our vision, as we strive to build a team that consistently competes for trophies.”

Ronny Deila's Coaching Journey

Deila kicked off his coaching career in Norway, where he initially served as a player-assistant coach before becoming the head coach for Strømsgodset in 2008. Under his guidance, the club claimed the Norwegian Cup in 2010 and secured their first league title in 43 years in 2013, achieving a remarkable 63 points during that campaign.

His success in Norway paved the way for an exhilarating tenure at Celtic from 2014 to 2016, where he led the team to consecutive Scottish Premiership titles along with the 2015 Scottish League Cup. During his time in Scotland, Deila's team demonstrated dominance, accumulating an impressive 2.12 points per match over 118 matches.

Gratitude and Ambition

“I want to express my gratitude to Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for this incredible opportunity,” Deila stated. “Atlanta United is a club with a fantastic foundation, ambitious goals, and exceptional facilities. I am delighted to return to MLS—a league I admire—and I can't wait to get started with our talented group of players.”

After a successful return to Norway with Vålerenga from 2016 to 2020, Deila took the reins at NYCFC on January 6, 2020. During his impactful two-and-a-half-season tenure, he guided NYCFC to a stunning fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference in 2021, culminating in their MLS Cup victory against the Portland Timbers. His impressive record of 46 wins, 29 losses, and 15 draws solidified his reputation as a winning coach.

Recent Ventures and Future Outlook

Following his time in New York, Deila ventured to Belgium, where he managed Standard Liege before moving to Club Brugge. Most recently, he led Al-Wahda in the UAE Pro League, showcasing his adaptability and prowess as a coach.

Notably, Deila's journey began on the pitch as a defender, where his playing career spanned over 20 years in Norway, resulting in 352 professional appearances and 32 goals. He started with Norwegian club Urædd, later achieving remarkable success at Odd, before concluding his playing days at Sparta Bragerøen while also coaching Strømsgodset.

Looking Ahead

As excitement builds around his appointment, fans and analysts alike eagerly await to see how Deila will shape the future of Atlanta United. With his rich experience, tactical acumen, and passion for the game, the club is poised to make waves in the upcoming MLS seasons—could this be the resurgence Atlanta United desperately needs? Stay tuned!