Frank de Boer leaves Atlanta United which was announced by the MLS side on 24th July. Also departing from the club are assistant coaches Orlando Trustfull and Bob de Klerk and video analyst Erwin Koenis. The club has announced Stephen Glass as the interim coach besides searching for de Boer’s permanent replacement.
Frank De Boer was announced as the club’s second-ever head coach on December 23, 2018, replacing Gerardo Martino (Tata Martino). De Boer was the assistant manager of the Dutch national team as they finished as a runner– up in FIFA World Cup 2010. He won 4 consecutive Eredivisie titles as Ajax manager in his country and also a Dutch Super Cup. Under de Boer, Atlanta United finished the 2019 MLS Regular Season in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with 58 points from 34 matches and finished 3rd overall in the league. The former Ajax and Barcelona star also led Atlanta United to win 2 trophies, the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the second-annual Campeones Cup.
“On behalf of Atlanta United, I would like to thank Frank for his leadership and commitment to the club. Under Frank’s guidance, the club had a strong 2019 season in both MLS and international competition. After discussing it with Frank, the decision was reached mutually to part ways. In winning two trophies in his first season in charge, he will always be a part of the club’s history, and with great appreciation and respect we wish him all the best in the future.”
Atlanta United President Darren Eales
Frank de Boer leaves Atlanta United: Disappointing start since lockdown
Frank de Boer guided the club to 2 wins out of 2 matches in 2020 before the MLS season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MLS is Back Tournament then started as a one-off tournament in Orlando, USA to mark the league’s return to action after being suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 26 Major League Soccer teams, 24 took part in the tournament as 2 of the teams withdrew because several of their players got affected by the virus.
These 24 teams were divided into 6 groups with 4 each. Atlanta United was then knocked out of the tournament after they lost all 3 group stage games against New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati, and Columbus Crew by losing each by 1-0 scoreline. Affected by these dismal performances of the club, Frank de Boer leaves Atlanta United after mutually agreeing to the club’s consent.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had with Atlanta United. Coaching in Major League Soccer and living in Atlanta has been a wonderful experience and a welcome new challenge. I will never forget the incredible supporters here in Atlanta, they are truly special. I want to thank the players, coaches and staff for all of their support, it has been my pleasure to work with all of you.”
Frank de Boer, Departing Manager of Atlanta United
Atlanta United will resume MLS competition in the next season following the conclusion of the tournament in Orlando, whose final is decided to be played on 11th August. Atlanta United was founded 6 years ago on 6th April, 2014. Atlanta United became the champions of MLS Cup in 2018 in just their 2nd regular season.
So what do you think? What might be the reason for this disastrous campaign for Atlanta United, after finishing 2nd in Eastern Conference previous season, that led to Frank De Boer parting ways with the MLS outfit?
Now that Frank de Boer leaves Atlanta United, who do you think does possess the ability to replace him? Let us know in the comment section below.
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