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Atlanta United parts ways with head coach and 2 assistant coaches

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<div>MAY 15: Manager Gonzalo Pineda of Atlanta United leaves the field after an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)</div> <p>” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vm9WuBjmdxznpVp7A5ibKQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_fox_aggregated_articles_807/35a545fd bbbda929eb17c5a4622ac441″ data-src=” https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Vm9WuBjmdxznpVp7A5ibKQ–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_fox_aggregated_articles_807/35a545fdbbbda929 eb17c5a4622ac441″/></p></div> </div> </div> <div class=

MAY 15: Manager Gonzalo Pineda of Atlanta United leaves the field after an MLS soccer match against FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on May 15, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)

ATLANTA – Atlanta United has fired head coach Gonzalo Pineda, the club announced today. Assistant coach Rob Valentino will assume the role of interim head coach effective immediately.

“We are grateful to Gonzalo for his commitment and dedication to the club over the past four seasons. He has been an exemplary ambassador for the organization and we would like to thank him for his contributions to the club,” said the CEO and president of Atlanta United. Garth Lagerwey. “We made this decision with the goal of moving the team in a new direction. As we continue to evaluate all aspects of our athletic operation, Rob will have our full support in turning our season around in the second half.”

Pineda joined Atlanta United in August 2021. During his tenure, he had a 34-34-29 record in the league. Despite his efforts, the club decided to seek new direction in hopes of revitalizing its season.

<div>Atlanta United FC Rob Valentino during a match between Atlanta United FC and the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).</div> <p>” data-src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ASX_NhldhxNicctJfjcQjw–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/aol_fox_aggregated_articles_807/b63644b41d 0d104d27fc0db4037d9fd4″/></p> <div></div> </div> </div> <div classe=

Atlanta United FC Rob Valentino during a match between Atlanta United FC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images).

Besides Pineda’s departure, assistant coaches Diego de la Torre and Eugenio Villazon were also relieved of their duties. Goalkeeping coach Liam Curran will, however, remain in his current position.

Rob Valentino, who has worked for Atlanta United since 2018, assumes the role of interim head coach. He previously served as interim head coach during the 2021 season, leading the team to a 4-2-2 record. Valentino initially joined the club as an assistant coach for Atlanta United 2’s inaugural season before being promoted to first team assistant coach ahead of the 2019 MLS season.

Atlanta United is 4-8-4 so far this season and has been flat in their last six home matches, including 5 straight losses. Their last loss came against Charlotte FC on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The club will launch a global search for a new permanent head coach from tomorrow, with no fixed timetable for filling the role.

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