With new president coming, Atlanta United’s Carlos Bocanegra unsure of future

Atlanta United Vice President Carlos Bocanegra confirmed Tuesday that manager Gonzalo Pineda will return to the club next season. Bocanegra didn’t seem as confident about his future because there is a new president coming in who has yet to be hired. Atlanta United has failed to make the playoffs in two of the past three seasons.

“Not sure what’s going on in the future for myself,” Bocanegra said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the next president, hearing their ideas, their vision.”

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The next president would be the club’s second. That person will follow Darren Eales, who resigned in August because he accepted a job as CEO of Newcastle in England’s Premier League.

Bocanegra signed a multi-year contract extension, thought to be for four years, following the 2021 season. Atlanta United made the playoffs that season by finishing fifth in the East, with 51 points. Hindered by at least 20 different instances of injuries that resulted in players missing multiple games, the team finished in 11th place, with 40 points, this season. The club won the MLS Cup in 2018 and U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup in 2019.

Bocanegra said he was proud of the job done by Pineda in guiding the team despite losing veterans such as goalkeeper Brad Guzan, centerback Miles Robinson and Ozzie Alonso to season-ending injuries and midfielder Emerson Hyndman to a quad injury. Combined, they made only 29 appearances. Last week, Pineda said he felt this season like he had to manage three different teams throughout the season because of the myriad injuries.

“He’s a great young coach,” Bocanegra said. “Tough run of it this year with what he’s had to deal with.”

Some of Atlanta United’s supporters chanted “Boca out” near the end of the season-ending 2-1 loss Sunday to NYCFC. The phrase has been posted hundreds of times on social media this season.

Bocanegra said he understands their frustrations with the team’s results. He said he also is frustrated. He said he is proud of what the team was able to accomplish in terms of finding players to fill in for those who suffered injuries this season. Forward Ronaldo Cisneros, centerback JuanJo Purata and goalkeeper Raul Gudino, all midseason signees, started multiple games for the club. Aiden McFadden, a draft pick in 2021, also started several games at fullback.

“We’re all accountable here,” Bocanegra said.

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Atlanta United’s 2022 MLS schedule

Feb. 27 Atlanta United 3, Sporting KC 1

March 5 Colorado 3, Atlanta United 0

March 13 Atlanta United 2, Charlotte 1

March 19 Atlanta United 3, Montreal 3

April 2 Atlanta United 1, D.C. United 0

April 10 Charlotte 1, Atlanta United 0

April 16 Atlanta United 0, Cincinnati 0

April 24 Miami 2, Atlanta United 1

April 30 Montreal 2, Atlanta United 1

May 7 Atlanta United 4, Chicago 1

May 15 Atlanta United 2, New England 2