ATLANTA – MLS’s Atlanta United FC confirmed today that it has named Mexican Gonzalo Pineda as its new head coach, with a contract until the 2024 season.
After a 13-year playing career, Pineda has been an assistant coach with Seattle Sounders FC since 2017. Rob Valentino (assistant) and Liam Curran (goalkeeper) will remain on the staff, while Pineda will serve as an assistant to Diego de la Torre, who recently served as the head coach of Cafetaleros de Chiapas in Mexico.
Pineda will be formally introduced to the media during a press conference at 1:00 pm (ET) today and will join the team in Atlanta next week with his first training session on Thursday. Valentino will continue to act as interim coach for the club’s next two games.
“We are delighted to welcome Gonzalo as the head coach of Atlanta United,” said club president Darren Eales. “Building on an illustrious career as an international player, Gonzalo joined Seattle’s coaching staff and played an integral role in the club’s success in recent years. He has a deep understanding of MLS and has proven to be one of the best assistants in the league. He is a perfect fit for our club from a cultural and technical perspective, and we are excited to have a long-term commitment. “
Pineda, one of Major League Soccer’s most respected assistant coaches, has been an influential member of Seattle’s coaching staff for five seasons, helping guide the club to three MLS Cup appearances, including victory in 2019. As a player , Pineda spent 11 seasons playing in Liga MX, two in MLS, and represented Mexico at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
“This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime and I am very excited to become Atlanta United’s head coach,” Pineda said. “I want to thank Arthur Blank, Steve Cannon, as well as Darren and Charles for trusting me in this position. I come to a club that already has a system to help the players and the coaching staff to give good results to the fans. I look forward to getting to Atlanta and meeting everyone at the club. “
Pineda began his professional career with Pumas in 2003 and spent three seasons with the Mexico City-based club, where he won the 2004 Liga MX Clausura and Apertura titles. The central midfielder joined Chivas de Guadalajara in 2006 where he won the Liga MX Apertura championship in its first season. With Chivas, Pineda made 145 appearances and scored six goals in all competitions.
After assignments in San Luis, Cruz Azul, Puebla and Querétaro, Pineda moved to MLS and joined the Seattle Sounders before the 2014 season. There he made 56 league appearances, scored four goals and recorded nine assists in two seasons. as well as leading the team to the Open Cup and Supporters’ Shield titles in 2014.
“Gonzalo has a great tactical mind and is someone I have always respected as a competitor for the Mexican National Team,” said vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “During his time in Seattle, he has shown tactical acumen, the ability to develop young talent and an understanding of what it takes to win in this league. He has in-depth knowledge of MLS and the league’s group of players, including our team. We are confident that he will be able to make a smooth transition to our club. “
Pineda was called up for the first time to the Mexican National Team in 2004 and made his debut on September 8 against Trinidad and Tobago in a qualifying match for the World Cup. He appeared in all five games during the 2005 Confederations Cup, starting four. Pineda scored his only goal for Mexico during the 2005 Gold Cup against Colombia. He helped Mexico qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, appearing in 10 matches. Pineda was selected for the 2006 FIFA World Cup under the direction of Ricardo La Volpe, where he appeared in all four of Mexico’s matches and started three. Head coach Hugo Sánchez called up Pineda for the 2007 Copa América, where he made three appearances and helped Mexico finish in third place.