Atlanta United hire De Boer as new manager

ATLANTA: Former Ajax and Inter Milan manager Frank de Boer (pic) has been hired as head coach of Major League Soccer (MLS) champions Atlanta United, the team announced.

The Dutchman replaces Tata Martino, who announced in October he would be leaving Atlanta United after winning the club’s first title.

Former Dutch international and Ajax and Barcelona defender De Boer, 48, worked in the Premier League as manager of Crystal Palace but lasted only four league games.

However it was his record of developing young players at Ajax that impressed the MLS club.

“Frank de Boer has a distinguished background, both as manager and player, and we’re ecstatic to welcome him to our club,” Atlanta United president Darren Eales said in a statement.

“When we began our search, we were determined to find someone who fit all of our criteria. In addition to meeting our club’s core values, Frank’s philosophical views for how to play unequivocally align with ours.

“He also has a proven track record of developing youth players, with many of them going on to star for top European teams. Finally, his multilingual capabilities, including Spanish and English, ensure a smooth transition in the leadership of our club.”

One of his country’s finest defenders, De Boer featured in two World Cups and three European Championships for Holland. His managerial career has been spotty. He enjoyed great success with Ajax, where he won the Eredivisie four times in five-and-a-half years. His brief stints at Inter Milan and Crystal Palace both ended with him being fired.

Atlanta United, only in their second year of existence, won the MLS Cup by defeating Portland 2-0 this month.