'Our standard of play was not met' - Atlanta United dismiss head coach Ronny Deila after just one season, with MLS club saying they 'owe our fans a much better on-field product'

Charlotte FC v Atlanta United

Atlanta United fired head coach Ronny Deila after just one season, the team announced on Sunday. The 2021 MLS Cup-winning coach led the Eastern Conference side to a 5-16-13 record and 14th-place finish in his first season in charge. Atlanta were expected to be among the favorites for MLS Cup, but won only one of their final 18 games.

'Owe our fans a much better on-field product'

Atlanta moved quickly Sunday after a draw with D.C. United in the final game of the MLS season.

"It was evident that our standard of play was not met this season, and together with our senior leadership team, we have decided that it was in Atlanta United’s best interest to move the team in a different direction. Ultimately, we owe our fans a much better on-field product and it is our unwavering commitment to provide that to this community as soon as possible," Atlanta United CEO and President Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. "We want to thank Ronny for his time and commitment to the organization and wish him well in his future endeavors."

There were signs

Deila's firing seemed imminent. Owner Arthur Blank released a statement on Saturday, pointing out that "our recent results on the pitch have not reflected who we are or who we strive to be and are not acceptable."

There had been speculation for weeks that a change could be made. 

Emmanuel Latte Lath Atlanta United

A winter of heavy investment

Deila took over a side that had invested heavily over the winter. Atlanta had raised more than $40 million in player sales in the past year, and spent most of that - and more - to build what they believed to be a championship-contending squad.

They shelled out a league record $22M for Emmanuel Latte Lath, who managed just seven goals on the season. They also negotiated a homecoming for former star Miguel Almiron, who also struggled in his return season.

Inter Miami v Atlanta United - 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs

Potential replacements

There has been speculation around potential replacements. Former Inter Miami boss Tata Martino is among them. He led Atlanta to MLS Cup in 2018, and parted ways with Miami after last season.