Former Celtic boss, Ronny Deila, has landed a new role in the MLS eight years after leaving Celtic.
Celtic fans will remember, of course, that Deila enjoyed success in the MLS before as manager of New York City where he won the MLS Eastern Conference.
Deila spent two years in New York before moving on to Standard Liege and then Club Brugge before the former Celtic boss landed a surprise managerial role in the Saudi Pro League with Al Wahda.
And now, three weeks after Deila was appointed the manager of Atlanta United, club CEO Garth Lagerway was ‘excited’ to welcome the ex-Celtic boss to his first day at the MLS club.
Atlanta United CEO welcomes former Celtic manager Ronny Deila
Speaking to Atlanta United’s official website, Lagerway said, “We really wanted to add a proven winner, and Ronny exudes that.
“I get excited about working with someone like Ronny. The way he talks about people, the way he talks about building relationships. the way he talks about collaborating, the way he talks about leadership.
“I think those are all really consistent with our core values.”
Former Celtic boss Ronny Deila speaks as Head Coach of Atlanta United
Taking on his sixth managerial role since leaving Celtic, Deila talked up his strengths as he laid out a plan to bring success to his new club.
Deila said, “One of my strengths is that I’m good at working together with people. My job is 60-70% to be a leader, being together with people and leading them. Then, of course, you have that 30-40% football.
“I played against Atlanta before. I know what kind of fans they have, what kind of stadium and what kind of opportunities they have to win something and to create something special.
“This is a dream to have an opportunity to come here and work with you.”
Deila has enjoyed a lot of success as the manager/Head Coach of almost every club he has managed:
- Strømsgodset: Tippeligaen 2013; Norwegian Football Cup 2010
- Celtic: Scottish Premiership: 2014–15, 2015–16; Scottish League Cup: 2014–15
- New York City: MLS Cup 2021; MLS Eastern Conference: 2021
- Club Brugge: Belgian Pro League: 2023–24
Deila was also named the Norwegian Coach of the Year in 2013 but strangely, despite his success at Celtic, the Norwegian was never recognised by his peers for his achievements in Scotland.
Everyone at 67 Hail Hail wishes Deila the best of luck in his new venture as will many Celtic fans.
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