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New Atlanta United manager Gabriel Heinze officially arrived in town on Monday. Before departing his home country of Argentina, “El Gringo” sat down with La Nacion for a wide-ranging Q&A.
Our Head Coach has arrived
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 25, 2021
Welcome to Atlanta, Gabriel Heinze! pic.twitter.com/dREQMy8r1E
Most of the chat centers around Heinze’s personal ambitions and history. The most pertinent information from an Atlanta United perspective is in regards to his recruitment to his new club.
According to Heinze, he and the Five Stripes front office made a promise to each other after an initial enquiry was made. While the Argentine wasn’t in a place to accept or decline the first offer from Atlanta, the club vowed to give him the time he needed to analyze the situation before making a decision. In return, he says he also promised not to consider any other offers before doing his due diligence.
It’s very simple: three months ago I had a first chat with these people, and then I didn’t want to analyze the option because I had other personal things to solve. And they, very respectful, decided to give me that time. Then I gave them my word to start analyzing the proposal and they gave me time. They told me that until I told them no, they weren’t going to look for another coach. I also promised not to listen to another offer, I do not have the ability to analyze two projects at the same time. We began to talk, to have a back and forth, and things lined up. And after a month of hard work, we made the decision with the coaching staff: it will be a place where they will allow us to work. All the tools they have given me are very good and I am very excited. (Roughly Translated via Google)
It seems very clear that Heinze was Atlanta United’s top target once all candidates were considered and made every effort to secure his services. After a long wait, that patience and commitment paid off.
The whole interview is definitely worth your time to get to know the new Atlanta boss. He is undoubtedly a fascinating personality. We can’t wait to get to know more about him on and off the field.