Atlanta United and manager Frank De Boer are finally going their separate ways. The club confirmed the news on Friday, saying that the decision was mutual.
“After discussing it with Frank, the decision was reached mutually to part ways,” said Atlanta’s president Darren Eales. “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 will announce their interim manager in the near future while embarking on a search for a permanent solution at the position.
De Boer leaves the club after a horrific campaign in the MLS is Back tournament, where Atlanta lost all of their three matches while failing to score a single goal. The club reportedly couldn’t overlook the deficiencies in the team’s game and decided that squad needs a new leading voice in the locker room.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had with Atlanta United,” said De Boer. “Coaching in Major League Soccer and living in Atlanta has been a wonderful experience and a welcome new challenge.”
Frank De Boer took over Atlanta United ahead of the 2019 MLS season, replacing Gerardo Tata Martino at the helm. He had a shaky start of the season, and was on the verge of being sacked, before turning things over. Atlanta ended up winning U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup last year while making it to Eastern Conference Finals.
Before coming to MLS, De Boer coached Ajax, Inter Milan, and Crystal Palace. He won four Eredivisie titles with Ajax but only lasted 14 games with Inter and five games with Palace before being sacked.
