New York City, New York — After a long search in the offseason, New York City FC has their next manager. On Monday morning, the club announced that Ronny Deila, a native of Norway, is the Eastern Conference club’s next coach.
Deila penned a three-year deal. He began his coaching career in 2008, joining Strømsgodset Toppfotball in his native Norway. He remained at the club until 2014, before pursing an opportunity with Celtic. Deila spent two seasons in Scotland, and then returned to Norway to coach Vålerenga.
In Scotland, Deila led Celtic to back-to-back Scottlish Premiership titles.
“When the opportunity came up to join New York City FC as their new head coach, it was a dream come true for me to manage an amazing Club in a great city,” Deila said, via a press release.
A former defender for clubs like Odd and Viking, Deila is inheriting a team that won first place in the Eastern Conference last year. However, New York City fell out of the playoffs in the Conference Semifinals, losing 2-1 to Toronto FC. At the end of the season, manager Domènec Torrent decided to leave the club.
Delia said he wants to build NYCFC, not remake and overhaul the club.
“When I come in, it’s important to continue to build on what’s already proven to be a strong foundation and to get some of my ideas across,” Deila said. “The way I want to play and the way NYCFC has played is very similar. I’m a very attacking coach. We want to have the ball as much as possible, but also try to be direct when you have those opportunities.”
Faith in Ronny Deila
New York City is already showing faith in their new manager.
The club decided to give Deila a three-year contract that extends until 2023. However, details of the contract were not disclosed to the media. Deila said that while supporting the players is a top priority, he also wants to establish a good relationship with the supporters.
“I’m ready to see our supporters and hopefully we’ll have a wonderful relationship,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to play good football the City way. I’ll give everything from myself to the Club and I’m sure we’re going to achieve fantastic things in the future.”
Meanwhile, according to Brad Sims, NYCFC CEO, the club formed a relationship with Deila “for a long time.”
“We’ve been very impressed with his coaching acumen and his belief in playing a style that fits our attacking ethos,” Sims said. “He’s an experienced manager that has succeeded in winning trophies at clubs with high expectations like we have here at NYCFC. Importantly, not only are we getting a wonderful coach, but also an exceptional person. I can’t wait for our fans to meet Ronny and get to know him.”
For Deila, the biggest thing he wants to work on right away is consistency.
“I think consistency is an important thing,” he said. “Consistency in the way we play and to keep on improving in the City style. The group of players have been here for a while and they’re ready to take the next step together. Winning a title will be a big goal for myself and for the club.”
