Former Man Utd and Real Madrid defender Heinze sacked by MLS strugglers Atlanta United

by 24USATVJuly 19, 2021, 6 a.m. 49
-

Gabriel Heinze has been sacked by Atlanta United after just seven months as head coach of the Major League Soccer team.

The former Argentina international, who played for clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, was unable to convert his top-level experience into success on the touchline in MLS.

Heinze departs after his team won just two of their opening 13 games in the regular season, losing four and drawing seven times to sit 10th in the 14-team Eastern Conference.

A 1-0 defeat to New England on Saturday sealed Heinze's fate.

He was appointed in December 2020, and a recent stand-off between the coach and star player Josef Martinez, a former MLS Cup MVP, went down badly with supporters.

A statement from the club said: "Atlanta United today announced the club has relieved head coach Gabriel Heinze of his duties, effective immediately. Assistant coach Rob Valentino will take over as interim head coach.

"A variety of issues relating to the day-to-day leadership of the team led the club to this decision."

Club president Darren Eales said: "This was certainly 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 talented coach and is undeniably passionate about his craft and the sport of soccer."

-

Related Articles

HOT TRENDS

Meet the Researcher: Haiying Tao, CAHNR

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 3 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Drew Litton: Rockies living with hard times as season begins

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 2 p.m.2
HOT TRENDS

50 Cent Denies Daphne Joy Sexual & Physical Abuse Allegations

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 9 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

2024 Opening Day Chat

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 6 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Tigers 1, White Sox 0: Crochet weaves, but Skubal shoves

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, 6 a.m.2
HOT TRENDS

Red Sox set Opening Day lineup for 2024 season

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Dream Came True

by 24USATVMarch 29, 2024, midnight2
HOT TRENDS

MLB Opening Day: Boston Red Sox against Seattle Mariners

by 24USATVMarch 28, 2024, 11 p.m.2