In a significant move, Atlanta United has decided to part ways with their technical director, Carlos Bocanegra, after nine years of service. The club’s CEO, Garth Lagerwey, released an official statement on the decision, shedding light on the reasoning behind the move and what lies ahead for the MLS team.
Garth Lagerwey’s Statement
Garth Lagerwey expressed his gratitude for Bocanegra’s contributions to the club over the years, acknowledging his dedication and the success Atlanta United has enjoyed during his tenure. In his official statement, Lagerwey said:
“We are deeply appreciative of Carlos’s dedication and success over the last nine years with Atlanta United. However, I believe it’s time for our club to move in a new direction.”
While Atlanta United has been one of the standout teams in Major League Soccer, known for their 2018 MLS Cup victory, Lagerwey indicated that the club is at a point where fresh leadership is needed in their sporting operations.
A New Direction for Atlanta United
Lagerwey’s statement emphasized the need for change as the club navigates its current season and looks ahead to the offseason. He highlighted that the move will provide the organization with the opportunity to reassess its sporting structure as they aim for long-term success.
“While we will continue to fight for a playoff spot down the final stretch of the season, this gives us a clean slate and a runway to properly assess all vacancies in our sporting operation ahead of what will be an extremely important offseason for our club.”
This approach suggests that Atlanta United is preparing for a critical period of transition, with the offseason likely to bring several changes as the club strives to rebuild and return to the top of MLS.
Atlanta United’s Path Forward
As the team continues its fight for a playoff spot, the focus will now shift to identifying the right personnel to lead the next phase of their development. The upcoming offseason will be pivotal in setting the tone for the club’s future, with new hires and a potential restructuring of the technical staff on the horizon.
The departure of Carlos Bocanegra from Atlanta United marks the end of an era for the club. While his time with the team brought notable successes, including an MLS Cup, the decision to part ways reflects a desire to chart a new course. Garth Lagerwey’s statement underlines the club’s ambition to make significant changes and start fresh as they prepare for an important offseason.
As Atlanta United pushes to secure a playoff spot, fans will be watching closely to see how the team’s leadership shapes the future of the club.