ATL Standard

Anticipation is building as Atlanta United prepares for the 2025 MLS regular season opener against CF Montréal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The team trained in cold conditions on Thursday, with coach Ronny Deila and goalkeeper Brad Guzan discussing their readiness and expectations.

Guzan expressed confidence in the team's preparation following a rigorous preseason. "Ready or not, it’s here," he stated, emphasizing the excitement of playing in front of a large home crowd. Deila focused on drills that highlight players' instincts and adaptability.

The upcoming match against Montréal poses challenges due to limited regular-season footage. Deila noted both teams will need to adapt quickly during the game. He has yet to finalize his starting lineup but praised the squad's depth, saying, “There’s always doubts because there’s so many that are in good shape.”

Atlanta United aims for strong performances throughout the season rather than relying solely on tactics before kickoff. "We believe in our group," Guzan remarked, stressing internal growth over external predictions.

Saba Lobjanidze expressed high ambitions for the team, aiming for a top-four finish: “I’m expecting something really big.” This aligns with Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson's vision of finishing among the conference leaders.

Deila highlighted goals for points and performance metrics compared to last season while acknowledging the ultimate aim is winning trophies. Reflecting on past successes, Guzan said, “That’s what 2018 represented,” referring to their MLS Cup victory.

As Atlanta United embarks on this new season, they seek consistent performances to compete for titles while fostering growth within the team.