Former Celtic manager Ronny Deila has managed to turn things around with New York City after celebrating a huge playoff win over Atlanta United last night.
Last month, it looked questionable as to whether NYC would even make the playoffs. Deila was under major pressure from a support that was running out of patience with him. He looked in severe danger of missing out on the top 7 after a concerning loss in the New York derby to the Red Bulls.
However, since then, Ronny managed to bounce back with a draw in Atlanta before winning 3 of his final 4 regular season games to finish 4th in the Eastern Conference.
Some of those results were mightily impressive too. A huge 3-1 win away to David Beckham’s Inter Miami was particularly eye-catching. As was the 6-0 home rout of DC United.
But last night, his NYC team took a step further. Up against 2018 MLS Cup winners Atlanta, Deila’s side cruised to a comfortable 2-0 home victory to progress to the Eastern Conference semi-finals against New England Revolution.
Things on the up for Ronny Deila with New York City
Now, it’s fair to say things have taken a massive leap for Deila in New York. The support are back investing his faith in him whilst he’s already gone further than he managed in his first year.
Former NYC coach Patrick Viera, who was largely deemed a success during his time in the States, only ever reached the Eastern Conference semi-finals also. Therefore, should Deila overcome New England, he’ll have gone futher than the current Crystal Palace manager was able to achieve.
It’s going to be a massive opportunity for Deila and his backroom staff, which includes former Celtic player Efrain Juarez. New York will face New England on Wednesday, December 1st.
Deila remains a popular figure amongst the Celtic supporters after winning 2 titles in 2015 and 2016. The Norwegian has remained a Celtic fans since leaving the club, often visiting supporters’ clubs in New York.
And going by the fan reaction over in the USA to his most recent success, things are starting to turn for him:
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