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Now official
It is now official. Major League Soccer side Atlanta United have found a replacement for Gabriel Heinze, who was fired in July. As anticipated, on Thursday the club announced that they had signed Seattle Sounders assistant coach Gonzalo Pineda. Current caretaker manager Rob Valentino and goalkeeper coach Liam Curran will stay on the staff. Pineda will, however, add former Cafetaleros de Chiapas head coach Diego de la Torre to the Atlanta coaching staff.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Gonzalo as the head coach of Atlanta United,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said in a club statement. “Building off an illustrious international playing career, Gonzalo joined Seattle’s coaching staff and played an integral role in the club’s success over the last few years. He has a thorough understanding of MLS and has proven to be one of the top assistants in the league. He is a great fit for our club from a cultural and technical perspective, and we’re excited to have a long-term commitment in place.”
A 45-times Mexican national team player, the 38-year-old has been Brian Schmetzer‘s assistant at the Seattle Sounders since 2017. “While this is a day I thought may happen, it is not easy to say goodbye to such accomplished players like Djimi [Traore] (he is leaving the club for Europe) and Gonzo, who transformed stellar playing careers into becoming two of the best young coaches in MLS. I could not be happier for the new opportunities in front of them,” Schmetzer said in a Sounders’ club statement.
Pity Martínez, Barco, Almirón & Co.: Atlanta United’s record transfer
Pineda “has great tactical mind” – Has played 56 games in MLS
Pineda became Atlanta United’s prime target after negotiations with former Roma head coach Paulo Fonseca fell through earlier this summer. But unlike Fonseca, Pineda comes with significant MLS experience. The former midfielder has not only coached in the league but also played 56 games for the Sounders. “He has a thorough knowledge of MLS and the league’s player pool, including our team,” technical director Carlos Bocanegra said in a club statement. “We’re confident he can make a smooth transition to our club.”
A resume that speaks for itself pic.twitter.com/J94LMyVyGx
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) August 12, 2021
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