ATLANTA — Atlanta United manager Frank de Boer has stepped away from his role with the club in what the team is calling a "mutual agreement" to part ways.
The team also announced some of De Boer's staff - assistant coaches Orlando Trustfull and Bob de Klerk and video analyst Erwin Koenis - were departing the club too.
United said they will announce an interim coach shortly as they search for a permanent replacement.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had with Atlanta United,” De Boer said in a release. “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.”
De Boer managed the team for only one full season after replacing Gerardo Martino. He arrived in Atlanta to much fanfare, a recognizable name on the international stage who had previously enjoyed stints leading big European clubs such as Inter Milan and Ajax.
The Dutchman led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals last year in the playoffs, and United won both the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup under his tenure.
The team, however, suffered an embarrassing exit from the "MLS is Back" tournament this week, after they lost all three of their matches in the tournament and failed to score a single goal.
“On behalf of Atlanta United, I would like to thank Frank for his leadership and commitment to the club,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales in a release. “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.”
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