After a snowy weekend in Atlanta, the Five Stripes returned to the pitch at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground to begin preparations for the 2025 MLS season. With a mix of new leadership and familiar faces, optimism is brewing for a successful campaign ahead.
Fresh Beginnings with Deila and Henderson
The offseason brought significant changes to Atlanta United’s leadership, with Ronny Deila stepping in as head coach and Chris Henderson as Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director. Both hires represent a new direction for the club, which seeks consistency and discipline under Deila’s guidance.
Deila wasted no time setting the tone, emphasizing fitness and discipline as cornerstones for success. His early observations of Atlanta’s 2024 season highlighted inconsistency, something he aims to address through a structured approach.
“Being the fittest team in the league would be a good thing to start off with,” said veteran defender Derrick Williams, underscoring the team’s focus on improvement.
Veteran Leadership on Display
Two of Atlanta’s stalwarts, goalkeeper Brad Guzan and defender Derrick Williams, led the first player press conference of the year. Both spoke about the importance of setting the tone early in preseason.
“It’s always a day that brings a lot of smiles to everyone’s faces,” Guzan said of the opening day. “It’s about getting fit, getting into a rhythm, and understanding what the new staff wants.”
Key Addition: Mateusz Klich
One of Atlanta’s most notable offseason acquisitions is midfielder Mateusz Klich, who joined from D.C. United. The 34-year-old brings a wealth of experience, having competed in the English Premier League with Leeds United and played a pivotal role in D.C.’s midfield.
Klich’s vision and work rate have already earned praise from his new teammates. Williams highlighted Klich’s influence:
“Every time he gets the ball, he’s trying to play a ball in behind or into a striker’s feet. He’s a good guy and a locker room presence.”
Klich is expected to enhance Atlanta’s midfield dynamics, benefiting playmakers like Alexey Miranchuk and Saba Lobjanidze, as well as strikers such as Jamal Thiaré.
Building Momentum from 2024
While the 2024 season had its challenges, Atlanta ended on a high note by reaching the playoffs and upsetting the top-seeded Inter Miami CF. That experience fuels the team’s confidence heading into 2025.
“Last year gave us a bit of a taste to show that we can beat the best teams in the league,” Williams said. “We just have to do it on a consistent basis.”
The preseason will culminate with a scrimmage against FC Dallas on February 15, a final tune-up before Atlanta’s season opener on February 22 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Eyes on March 16 Rematch
A much-anticipated early test awaits Atlanta United when they face Inter Miami CF on March 16 at home. The rematch is set to rekindle the intensity of last season’s playoff clash, providing a benchmark for Atlanta’s progress under its new regime.
As Guzan put it:
“It’s about building each day and picking up where we left off. The quicker we understand and execute the staff’s vision, the better positioned we’ll be for success.”
With fresh leadership, strategic roster additions, and a clear focus on discipline, Atlanta United is poised to make waves in the 2025 MLS season. Fans can expect a competitive and determined squad ready to reclaim its status among the league’s elite.
