Atlanta United fires head coach Gabriel Heinze after 13 games

ATLANTA — Atlanta United announced Sunday that they have fired first-year head coach Gabriel Heinze, effective immediately.

Assistant Coach Rob Valentine will take over as interim head coach.

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The news comes amid an eight-game winless streak, which is a first for the franchise. Heinze has only been head coach for 13 MLS games.

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Heinze had also been in a battle of wills with star player Josef Martinez, who hasn’t been practicing with the team lately. Martinez is the most popular player in the franchise, was the team’s first MLS MVP and is the leading goal-scorer in history.

Several players have shared social media posts recently, seemingly in support of Martinez.

“A variety of issues relating to the day-to-day leadership of the team led the club to this decision,” the team said in a statement.

“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. “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.”

Eales said at a news conference Sunday afternoon that there were “a number” of concerning issues with Heinze, but they would not discuss them.

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Heinze joined Atlanta United in 2020 after two-and-a-half years at Argentine club Velez Sarsfield. He led Atlanta United to a 2-4-7 record to date for the 2021 MLS Regular Season.

The team fired Frank de Boer last year five league games into the season.

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