2024 Hasn’t Been Kind to Atlanta United: Can They Turn It Around?
Atlanta United’s 2024 season has been a disaster, to put it mildly. The Five Stripes had all the makings of a title-contending team, with superstars like Giorgos Giakoumakis and Thiago Almada leading the charge. But beneath the surface, there were warning signs of a team in decline. Unfortunately, those warning signs have become glaring reality.
After a promising start to the season, Atlanta went on an 15-match winless run, including just three victories, leading to the sacking of head coach Gonzalo Pineda. The team went through a major overhaul, seeing Giakoumakis and Almada depart for Cruz Azul and Botafogo respectively. Rob Valentino took the reins as interim head coach, and to their credit, the team showed slight improvement in a 4-3-3 formation.
However, their Leagues Cup campaign was a disaster. Defeated by Inter Miami in penalty kicks and then dumped out by DC United in the group stage, Atlanta fans are left wondering what’s wrong with their team. Even without a star striker or attacking midfielder, Atlanta should not be finishing at the bottom of their group.
A New Low Point
Atlanta’s dismal run reached a new low with their penalty shootout defeat to DC United, courtesy of three free goals given away despite scoring three themselves. It’s hard to make excuses, but even considering DC’s struggles this season, it’s inexcusable that Atlanta couldn’t get the job done against one of the worst Liga MX teams around.
The final group stage match saw DC take care of business, dispatching Santos Laguna 2-0, leaving Atlanta with a must-win match against the same Mexican outfit. But predictably, they couldn’t capitalize, falling to Santos and ultimately bowing out of the Leagues Cup.
A Message to the Fans
As we reflect on Atlanta’s disastrous season, it’s clear that complacency has crept in. The team has descended into mediocrity, and it’s on the players and coaching staff to buck the trend. The signing of Alexey Miranchuk provides hope for the remainder of the season, but drastic changes are needed to escape from irrelevancy.
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