MARIETTA, Ga. (July 9, 2025) — With just one more stop on their five-match road stretch, Atlanta United is zeroing in on not just picking up points — but reigniting the fire that head coach Ronny Deila has been calling for all season: hunger.
That word has come up often in Deila’s interviews. Whether referring to new signings like Enea Mihaj, the mentality in training, or the club’s long-term identity, “hunger” is the thread tying it all together.
“I think we can be more aggressive in wanting to achieve something,” Deila said after training. “That is something clear we really need to do better.”
🔥 Intensity in Training
This week’s training sessions have focused on reinforcing that hunger — not just in attitude, but in execution. Tristan Muyumba, speaking after Wednesday’s session, emphasized the need for more purposeful movement in the final third.
“It’s about the timing of the passes, the timing of the runs,” he explained. “Even a small run can create a difference.”
In drills, attackers made repeated runs behind a mock defensive line to build instinct and decision-making. More important than muscle memory, however, is leadership — and Muyumba believes every player must speak up, not just the veterans.
“Everyone has to step up… even the young guys. Everyone needs to take responsibility on the field,” he said.
🍁 A New-Look Toronto FC Awaits
Saturday’s opponent, Toronto FC, will look quite different than in previous meetings. With Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi recently moved out, the Canadian side is undergoing a rapid tactical transformation.
While Toronto lost 3-1 to NYCFC in their first post-DP match, Deila warned not to underestimate a side playing with collective focus over individual stardom.
“There are no superstars that think they’re bigger than the team — and that is always dangerous,” Deila said. “They are a team with a big ‘T’.”
For Atlanta, this matchup is statistically one of the best chances all season to snag a road win. Toronto ranks near the bottom of MLS in expected goals (xG), and Atlanta is coming off a rare clean sheet — only their second this year.
🧱 Defensive Boost and Mihaj’s Mentality
The addition of Enea Mihaj, a 26-year-old Albanian international, could prove pivotal in the backline’s resurgence. Deila praised his leadership, trustworthiness, and competitive mindset, saying Mihaj’s ambition matches the club’s needs.
“He’s in his prime, and he has ambitions to do something with us,” Deila said.
While the club is expected to be active in the Secondary Transfer Window, the coach remains confident that Atlanta has enough within the current squad to get results.
“I have a clear picture in my mind, but you adapt to the players you have,” he said. “It’s about finding the right mix.”
Still, Deila’s vision remains clear: build a physical, relentless, high-tempo team — even if the road to that vision requires more strategic thinking in the short term.
“We want a team with hard legs — pressing, active in everything,” he said. “We’re not there now. But with the right development and additions, we’ll get there.”
🗓 Matchday Details:
- Atlanta United at Toronto FC
📍 BMO Field, Toronto
🕢 Saturday, July 12 | 7:30 p.m. ET
📺 Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
📻 Listen: 92.9 The Game (English), La Mejor – AM 1600 (Spanish)
📢 Coming Home:
After a long road trip, the 17s will have two huge matches back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
- 🔥 vs Chicago Fire – July 16
- 💥 vs Charlotte FC (rivalry match) – July 19
Tickets are available now — and after Newsweek named MBS the No. 1 Loudest Stadium in MLS, you won’t want to miss the atmosphere.
