Atlanta United continues to try to sign three new players, but manager Gonzalo Pineda had no updates Friday.
Pineda said Jan. 17 that the team was attempting to bring in three players. The club reportedly is attempting to sign striker Giorgos Giakoumakis on loan from Celtic and centerback Luis Abram from Granada in Spain’s second division.
Pineda declined to comment on either player.
“Whenever there is news, we will announce it in the normal fashion that we do,” Pineda said. “But I cannot confirm or deny anything at the moment.”
Atlanta United will open its season Feb. 25 against San Jose at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team will play its first friendly Saturday against Chattanooga in Tennessee. Atlanta United then will move its training camp to Mexico City for more than a week.
Pineda wouldn’t entertain discussing skill sets of players such as Giakoumakis when asked how they fit within his system, other than to say strikers have different skills, and he can work with any of them.
Pineda also said he isn’t worried that the additions, if acquired, may not have as much time to learn tactics and new teammates.
“It’s part of MLS, the timing of MLS and the window,” Pineda said. “We have a different calendar compared to Europe and many parts of the world. So these things happen. I’m used to it. Obviously, I would prefer it is different, but it is what it is.”
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Atlanta United’s 2023 MLS schedule
Feb. 25 vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 7:30 p.m.
March 4 vs. Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
March 11 at Charlotte FC, noon, Fox
March 18 vs. Portland Timbers, 7:30 p.m.
March 25 at Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
April 1 vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
April 8 at New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.
April 15 at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
April 23 vs. Chicago Fire FC, 4:30 p.m., FS1
April 29 at Nashville SC, 1:30 p.m., Fox
May 6 at Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m.
May 13 vs. Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m.
May 17 vs. Colorado Rapids, 7:30 p.m.
May 20 at Chicago Fire FC, 8:30 p.m.
May 27 at Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m.
May 31 vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m., FS1
June 3 at Los Angeles FC, 10:30 p.m.
June 10 vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
June 21 vs. New York City FC, 7:30 p.m.
June 24 at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 p.m.
July 2 vs. Philadelphia Union, 4 p.m., Fox
July 8 at CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
July 12 at New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.
July 15 vs. Orlando City SC, 7:30 p.m., FS1
Aug. 20 at Seattle Sounders, 10:30 p.m.
Aug. 26 vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 30 vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 2 at FC Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 vs. Inter Miami CF, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs. CF Montreal, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at Philadelphia Union, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 7 vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 21 at FC Cincinnati, TBA
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