Charlotte FC have named interim boss Christian Lattanzio as their new permanent head coach.
Lattanzio took over from the club’s first-ever head coach, Miguel Angel Ramirez, at the end of May following the Spaniard’s controversial departure.
A former assistant to Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City, Lattanzio went on to guide CLTFC to a ninth-place finish in the Eastern Conference, missing out on the MLS Cup Playoffs in their inaugural year by just two places and six points.
Lattanzio – who holds an 8-10-2 record with The Crown – has signed a deal through the 2024 season with a club option for 2025.
“I’ve said many times that Charlotte FC is a special place, not only in Major League Soccer, but around the world of football. I’m excited to sign an extension here in Charlotte as we continue to build our culture and identity,” Lattanzio said in a club press release. “I’m honored to be the head coach of Charlotte FC and know everyone at this football club is aligned and prepared to move forward into 2023 as we improve on the foundation we have built together this season.”
Among Lattanzio’s key achievements was twice beating NYCFC, becoming the first expansion team in the modern era to maintain a 100% record against the defending champions, while CLTFC also thrashing top-of-the-East Philadelphia Union 4-0.
“Christian did an excellent job navigating a challenging time for our Club through the second half of the season and we’re delighted to keep him at Charlotte FC,” said sporting director Zoran Krneta.
“Having consistency from one season to the next is a proven model of success in Major League Soccer, and this extension, along with the options we exercised earlier this month, ensures the core of the team stays intact. Inking Christian to a long-term deal was paramount in our offseason plan to continue building a sustainable football club that is ready to take the next step in 2023 and beyond.”
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Alongside Lattanzio, Charlotte FC sporting director Zoran Krneta, director of scouting Thomas Schaling, and head of analytics & technical scouting Lisandro Isei have all penned new long-term contracts with the club.
“We’re delighted to have Zoran, Thomas, and Lisandro re-sign with Charlotte FC as they, along with…
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