The question on everyone’s minds heading into the regular season home opener is whether Atlanta United is ready.
The offseason has moved fast for the club. Atlanta United has added new players, filled out their front office and prepared on the pitch with six preseason friendlies, going unbeaten in the final five. And now, the much-awaited home opener has arrived.
“It’s a new year, it’s a new group, and we’re ready to get going,” goalkeeper Brad Guzan said.
Head coach Ronny Deila arrived to Atlanta in the first week of January and has gotten acclimated quickly to a new squad and a new city. After a brisk but thorough preseason, the head coach is looking forward to Saturday’s home opener.
“There are so many new impressions every time you come to new places,” Deila said. “It’s been really, really good, the first six weeks. I’ve been here 5-6 weeks and now, finally [I can] meet our supporters and, at the same time, also come to our home stadium. That will be a moment you remember the rest of your life.”
Saturday will be a meeting of sorts, as the city and supporters are introduced to the 2025 squad. As we get started, here are some important notes and changes to look going into Matchday 1.
New impactful players
The major pieces Atlanta United signed this offseason include three designated players, though only two technically are charged to Atlanta’s salary budget:
1. Mateusz Klich – Experienced is the word to describe Klich, who arrived to Atlanta via a trade with D.C. United. He’s played in the English Premier League and in Major League Soccer, and he provides leadership through his poise. His addition might be overlooked compared to the two designated players who signed after him, but he has the pedigree of a DP. (In fact, D.C. United maintains his designated player tag.) If preseason is any suggestion, he’ll be a valued piece to balance Atlanta’s midfield.
2. Emmanuel Latte Lath – There’s a very good chance we’ll see Latte Lath make his club debut Saturday. And don’t be surprised if he’s in the starting XI. Deila said that whether the center forward can go a full 90 minutes doesn’t matter as much: “Just go hard, then we’ll see how long it lasts. It’s not about the quantity of the minutes. It’s about the quality.” According to Guzan, Latte Lath has shown an immense amount of quality and unbelievable pace. He'll wear No. 19.
3. Miguel Almirón – The return of a star who played an integral role in the Atlanta’s 2018 championship run has been one of the most joyful reunions in recent memory. Everyone in Atlanta knows Miggy, and Almirón is expected to get a huge welcome Saturday. “It might be just a tad bit loud in there,” predicted Guzan, Almirón's 2018 teammate.
New coaching staff
Ronny Deila is the man in charge. To put his 17-year head coaching career succinctly, he’s a proven winner, has coached in Major League Soccer before and has an attack-oriented philosophy.
He leads a coaching staff for Atlanta United that is almost entirely brand new. Only assistant coach Matt Lawrey was with the club this time last year, and at that point he served the role of the Academy Director. Along with Carl Robinson, who joined the staff late last season, Deila brought in two assistants of his own: assistant coach Kenny Miller and goalkeeping coach Elliot Parish.
New kit: The Connector
Saturday marks the first time that The Connector is worn on the pitch. The kit might be new, but the foundation continues Atlanta United’s iconic brand: five stripes alternating black and red with gold piping that threads it all together. The black base, reminiscent of the night sky, creates the perfect backdrop for the stars to come out and shine on the field.
If you’re looking for a fresh fit, The Connector is available for purchase at the Team Store inside the stadium.
New tailgate lot for supporters
That’s right, some very exciting news for supporters. The tailgate lot has returned to Lot 17, and it’s here to stay. This will be the official setting for the pre-match supporters tailgate, which begins four hours prior to each weekend home match.
So whether you’re looking to make some new soccer friends, find out more about the supporters group or get hyped for matchday, follow the drum beats to Lot 17, located at 51 Mangum Street.
New sporting director and his product on the pitch
Along with Deila, the club added an executive with loads of MLS experience.
Chris Henderson was announced as the new Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director in December. He’s responsible for building the roster and signing players, including all three of the new players listed above. Henderson’s role is documented in the season premiere of Rooted In The Stripes, an excellent documentary produced by the club’s video team that you can watch on YouTube.
The product we see on Saturday will be the result of a collective effort. Scouts, data scientists, analysts – all led by Henderson – have put in the work this offseason, and beyond, to find the right mix of players that will take Atlanta United toward consistent winning and competing for championships.
