Unbelivable: Former head coach for Atlanta United, Gabriel Heinze, has announced his return to the team
In a statement, the team said that “a variety of issues relating to the day-to-day leadership of the team led the club to this decision.” Assistant coach Rob Valentino will assume the role of interim head coach.
Atlanta United president Darren Eales said in a statement, “This was definitely not a decision we wanted to make at this point in our season, but it was the right one for the club.” “Gabi is a gifted coach who possesses an unwavering passion for both soccer and his profession. We appreciate his service and wish him continued success in the future.
After serving as head coach of Velez Sarsfield, an Argentine club, for two and a half years, Heinze went 2-4-7 in his tenure with Atlanta on December 18. After Tata Martino and Frank de Boer, he was the club’s third full-time head coach in its existence. After De Boer and the team decided to part ways in July of last year, Stephen Glass took over as head coach in an acting capacity for the balance of the 2020 campaign.
Days have passed since Heinze announced that he had chosen to have star forward Josef Martinez train apart from the starting lineup.
“He has no issues with his fitness at all. Heinze told the media on Thursday, “I’ve decided that he should train apart from the team. “He’ll keep working out alone.”
Following a 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on Saturday, Atlanta United’s winless streak now stands at eight games. After 13 games, Atlanta is four points below the playoff line in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. With the departure of Toronto FC’s Chris Armas on July 4, he becomes the second MLS coach to be relieved of their duties this year.
His appointment brings an end to Atlanta’s six-month search for Frank de Boer’s replacement, who left the team in July.
Stephen Glass, the club’s interim head coach, will take over as coach of Atlanta United 2, its USL Championship affiliate.
Club president Darren Eales issued a statement saying, “We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Gabriel as our next head coach. This is a milestone moment in Atlanta United history.”
“We searched far and wide for this significant hire, and Gabriel quickly became our top choice.” We are thrilled that Gabriel, one of the best soccer coaches in South America, selected Atlanta United.
