Gabriel Heinze sacked as Atlanta United manager after 8 months

ATLANTA, GA JUNE 27: Atlanta head coach Gabriel Heinze gestures from the sideline during the MLS, Fussball Herren, USA match between the New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United FC on June 27th, 2021 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire SOCCER: JUN 27 MLS - New York Red Bulls at Atlanta United FC Icon210627012

Gabriel Heinze lasted eight months as manager at Atlanta United.

MLS club Atlanta United announced today that it has parted ways with the former Manchester United left-back Gabriel Heinze.

“This was certainly not a decision we wanted to make at this point in our season, but it was the right one for the club,” said Atlanta United President Darren Eales in an official statement.

“Gabi is a talented coach and is undeniably passionate about his craft and the sport of soccer. We are grateful to him for his service; and wish him all the best in the future.”

Heinze became Atlanta United manager in 2020 after two-and-a-half years at Velez Sarsfield, in his homeland of Argentina, but could only manage two wins, four draws and seven defeats in the MLS.

Moreover, Atlanta United are on a shocking run of zero wins in their last eight matches, so Heinze’s sacking has not come as a surprise.

Tensions in the dressing room between Heinze and his players seemingly made matters difficult. And his sacking comes just days after he revealed that star forward Josef Martinez had been forced to train away from the first team.

Atlanta are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference but are just four points adrift of the playoff places after 13 matches.

Read more: Jesse Lingard part of Manchester United’s plans, says Solskjaer