Ronny Deila Joins Standard Liège and Nick Cushing Is Named Interim Head Coach

June 13, 2022 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – New York City FC News Release

New York, N.Y. – New York City Football Club (NYCFC) today announced that Head Coach Ronny Deila is leaving the Club to join Belgian side Standard Liège, effective immediately. The Club has named Assistant Coach Nick Cushing as the Interim Head Coach.

The Norwegian coach departs after two and a half years in charge having led the Club to its first MLS Cup and delivering the first professional sports championship to New York City in over a decade. Also departing the Club and joining Ronny at Standard Liège is Assistant Coach Efraín Juárez. Nick Cushing, Rob Vartughian and Mehdi Ballouchy have all signed new long-term contracts with the Club.

David Lee, NYCFC Sporting Director, said: “Everyone at the Club would like to thank Ronny for the fantastic job he has done here. With Ronny at the helm, we have developed an even stronger culture of winning and togetherness and have accomplished our number-one goal of bringing silverware to this Club, to this City, and to our fans.

“We know this was not a decision Ronny took lightly, but we understand his desire to return to Europe and be closer to home. He has been a true leader since joining the Club and we wish him well for the next challenge in his career.”

Cushing won an impressive six trophies during his time as Manchester City Women’s Head Coach, including the 2016 Super League title and was named the FA WSL Manager of the Year in 2016.

Lee, continued: “While it is never ideal to have a change of Head Coach mid-season, we are excited for Nick Cushing to have this opportunity and have the utmost confidence in him given his previous experience as one of the most decorated coaches in the women’s game.

“After playing a vital role in winning MLS Cup and having been with the Club many years, we’re extremely pleased that Nick, Rob, and Mehdi have signed new contracts and will remain with the Club for the foreseeable future. This move ensures consistency in our culture and philosophy and that the same high standards will be upheld. The Club and First Team remain in an extremely strong position with a top-tier coaching staff providing consistency during this transition period.

“We are currently top of the Eastern Conference and are looking forward to competing for more trophies in all remaining competitions this season including U.S. Open Cup and the Campeones Cup. Our aim to once again be MLS Cup Champions has not changed.”

Cushing, said: “We…