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Atlanta United sacked head coach Gabriel Heinze, the team announced on Sunday, just seven months after hiring him. The coach had struggled to connect with players and produce results on the pitch, with the team holding a 2-7-4 record in the MLS Eastern Conference.
“A variety of issues related to the day-to-day management of the team led the club to this decision,” the team said in a statement.
“It certainly wasn’t a decision we wanted to make at this point in our season, but it was the right one for the club,” added team president Darren Eales. “Gabi is a talented coach and is undeniably passionate about his profession and the sport of soccer. We are grateful to him for his service; and wish him all the best for the future.
Sources said Athleticism this week that relations between the club and star player Josef Martínez are more strained than ever, and he has informed the front office that this will be his last season in Atlanta. Martínez trained on his own rather than with the team, a decision Heinze said on Thursday was his decision.
“He doesn’t have any fitness issues or injuries,” Heinze said. “It’s absolutely my decision to train away from the team. He will continue to train on his own.
Martínez is not the only player with whom Heinze has an “unstable” relationship, sources added, as Heinze’s coaching style led to poor results. Atlanta has been winless since May 15.
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