ATL Standard

Atlanta United is seeking to improve its performance as the second half of the 2024 MLS season begins. With a current record of 4-4-8, the team has faced challenges but recently showed promise with a 3-1 victory over Inter Miami FC on May 29 at Chase Stadium. However, momentum was short-lived as they lost 3-2 to Charlotte FC in their subsequent match.

Following a week-long break, during which several players were called up for international duty and Rob Valentino was named interim head coach, Atlanta United aims to secure three points against Houston Dynamo FC this Saturday.

Defender Brooks Lennon and goalkeeper Brad Guzan addressed the media after practice at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground on Tuesday. They discussed simplifying strategies under Valentino's leadership and the team's mindset moving forward.

Lennon emphasized accountability among all players, noting that improvement requires self-reflection. “Everyone has to look at themselves in the mirror and understand what they are doing well and what they can improve on,” he said. Lennon highlighted Valentino's experience and approach: “Rob is a very mature manager. He knows MLS; he played in it. I think he is just trying to keep the message simple.”

Valentino has stressed simplicity in his coaching philosophy. “When you are in a tough moment like this, it is time to go back to the drawing board and simplify things,” Lennon added. He believes focusing on clear messages from the coaching staff will lead to better results.

Guzan praised Valentino's communication skills, particularly his ability to connect with both American and foreign players. “His ability to communicate with guys... puts himself out there in terms of making it a point to connect with guys on a deeper level,” Guzan said.

The team faces an intense schedule ahead, with six matches in the next 21 days following their game against Houston Dynamo FC. Guzan stressed the importance of maintaining a professional attitude: “The attitude needs to be a commitment and desire to go and compete for 90 plus minutes... We need to be able to bring that for 90 plus minutes every single game.”

Atlanta United fans can watch Saturday’s match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or catch it live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, local radio station 92.9 The Game, or La Mejor.

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