Ronny Deila

Ronny Deila
Deila as manager of Celtic in 2016
Personal information
Full name Ronny Deila[1]
Date of birth (1975-09-21) 21 September 1975 (age 49)
Place of birth Porsgrunn, Norway
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Centre-back[2]
Team information
Current team
 Atlanta United (head coach)
Youth career
Urædd
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1992–1993 Urædd 16 (0)
1993–2004 Odd 240 (22)
2004–2005 Viking 23 (0)
2006–2008 Strømsgodset 43 (6)
2009–2011 Sparta Bragerøen 30 (4)
Total 352 (32)
International career
1992–1993 Norway U17 9 (0)
1994 Norway U18 3 (0)
1996 Norway U21 2 (0)
Managerial career
2005 Brodd
2008–2014 Strømsgodset
2014–2016 Celtic
2017–2020 Vålerenga
2020–2022 New York City
2022–2023 Standard Liège
2023–2024 Club Brugge
2024 Al Wahda
2025– Atlanta United
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Ronny Deila (born 21 September 1975) is a Norwegian football manager and former player, who is the current manager of Atlanta United in Major League Soccer.

He spent most of his playing career at Odd before becoming head coach at Strømsgodset, winning the Norwegian Cup in 2010 and the Norwegian League title in 2013.[3] In two seasons managing Celtic, in 2014–15 and 2015–16, he won the Scottish Premiership twice and the Scottish League Cup in 2014–15. Deila won the MLS Cup 2021 with New York City.

Playing career

Deila began his playing career with lower league club, Urædd.[4] He then joined Odd, where he became a mainstay in their defence.[4] In 2000, he played in the side that defeated Viking 2–1 in the Norwegian Cup Final, his only major honour as a player.[4] He joined Viking in 2004, before moving on to join Strømsgodset as player/assistant coach in 2006.

Although by 2009 he was coaching Strømsgodset, he combined these duties for a couple of years with playing part-time at lower league Sparta Bragerøen until 2011.[5][6]

He was capped nine times for the Norwegian under-17 side and then made two appearances for the under-21s in 1996. Deila never represented his country at senior level.[4]

Coaching and management

Strømsgodset

Deila as manager of Strømsgodset in 2012

After leaving Viking, Deila coached Norwegian fourth-tier club Brodd briefly in 2005.[7] He then joined Strømsgodset in 2006 as player/assistant coach, working under head coach Dag-Eilev Fagermo until the end of the 2007 season, when Fagermo decided to move to Odd.[3]

Sporting director Jostein Flo then promoted Deila to head coach of Strømsgodset.[3][4] At this time, Deila retired as a player.[4]

His first two seasons as head coach saw the club struggle against relegation,[3][4] but his attacking philosophy began to bear fruit as Strømsgodset started to record higher finishes in the Norwegian league.[3] In 2010, he won the Norwegian Cup,[4] and in 2013 he won Tippeligaen with Strømsgodset, their first title in 43 years.[4] The same year, Deila was also awarded the Kniksen Award for Coach of the Year.[8]

Deila showed a keenness to take on board coaching ideas at foreign clubs. Having previously visited Manchester City, Barcelona and Ajax to acquire further knowledge, he then after the end of the season in 2013 travelled to Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool to study their coaching and training methods.[9]

In the 2014 season, Deila's Strømsgodset were second in the league by the end of May after eleven games.[10] The club had continued their impressive home record under Deila, having gone 44 league games unbeaten at their Marienlyst Stadium since June 2011; just one short of the all-time Norwegian record held by Rosenborg.[4] However, Deila was beginning to attract foreign attention, and Strømsgodset had given him a new contract to run until 2016 in order to head off interest from Swedish champions Malmö who had unsuccessfully attempted to poach him in January.[4] Despite this new contract, various media reports surfaced in the first week of June linking Deila to the vacant managerial post at Scottish champions Celtic.[11]

Celtic

Deila was appointed manager of Scottish Premiership club Celtic on 6 June 2014.[12][13][3][4] He signed a 12-month rolling contract with the club, describing his appointment as a "magnificent honour" before stating his desire to deliver "attacking, exciting and entertaining football."[13] Eleven days later, former Celtic and Scotland midfielder John Collins was appointed assistant manager. Deila described Collins as a "first-class coach" and stated that he "has ideas on football which are very similar to mine so I am sure he will be a great addition to my team."[14]

After going unbeaten on a pre-season tour in Austria,[15] Deila's first competitive match as manager of Celtic, a Champions League qualifying tie away against KR Reykjavik on 15 July 2014, ended in a 1–0 win for the Scottish club.[16] The second leg of the tie ended in a 4–0 win for Celtic, securing a 5–0 aggregate win.[17] The following qualifying round saw Celtic lose 6–1 on aggregate to Legia Warsaw.[18] Despite this, Celtic were given a reprieve when it was discovered that Legia had fielded an ineligible player in the second leg. UEFA punished the Polish club by awarding the game 3–0 to Celtic, levelling the aggregate score at 4–4 and seeing the Scottish champions progress on away goals.[19] Celtic went on to face Maribor in the next qualifying round. After an 1–1 draw away in the first leg, Celtic lost 1–0 in the return match at Celtic Park and went out on aggregate; dropping down to the Europa League.[20]

On 13 August, Ronny Deila won his opening Scottish Premiership game, beating St Johnstone 3–0.[21] Deila's second league match, and his first game at Parkhead, saw Celtic defeat Dundee United 6–1 in a performance that BBC Sport described as being "full of drive, skill, belief and… goals."[22] Generally though, Celtic were unconvincing in the early stages of the league,[23] but improved as the season progressed and also qualified from their Europa League group.[24] These improved performances saw Deila win the Manager of the Month award for November 2014.[25] By February 2015, Celtic had won 15 of their last 17 domestic games[citation needed] and defeated Rangers 2–0 in the semi-final of the Scottish League Cup.[26] Celtic played Inter Milan in the last 32 stage of the Europa League, rallying to draw 3–3 at Parkhead from an early 0–2 deficit,[27] then losing 1–0 in Milan to go out on aggregate 3–4.[28] In the league, Celtic beat second placed Aberdeen 4–0 on 1 March to go six points clear with a game in hand and a vastly superior goal difference.[29] It was Celtic's eighth consecutive win in the league, and the turn around in form saw previous critics of Deila review their opinion of him. Former Celtic striker John Hartson had branded Deila as "clueless" in October, but stated four months later that Deila had "turned it round", praising his Celtic side for playing "brilliant football."[30]

Deila won his first trophy at Celtic on 15 March; Celtic defeating Dundee United 2–0 in the League Cup Final. Kris Commons and James Forrest were Celtic's goalscorers, whilst Stefan Johansen won the Man of the Match award.[31]

Deila's Celtic team won the Scottish Premiership on 2 May 2015, with three games to spare, following their rivals Aberdeen's loss to Dundee United. Celtic finished the season in style, as Ronny's Celtic side beat Inverness 5–0 on 24 May 2015.[32]

In August 2015, Celtic failed to progress from the UEFA Champions League playoffs, having failed to overcome Malmö, and were consigned to playing in the Europa League that season.[33] In November, Celtic exited the Europa league, having finished bottom of their group.[34] On 17 April 2016 Celtic played Rangers, in a Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden. The match went to extra time before Celtic lost the match on penalties. The way in which Celtic lost the match was also subject to criticism from the media and the Celtic support as Rangers dominated large portions of the game. Three days after the defeat and following intense speculation, Deila announced that he would step down at the end of the season.[35] Celtic clinched the Scottish Premiership title following a win over nearest challengers Aberdeen on 8 May 2016.

Vålerenga

On 13 July 2016, Deila signed a four-year contract with Vålerenga, starting 1 January 2017.[36] Vålerenga spent most of Deila's first season struggling just above the relegation places in the league. His predecessor, Kjetil Rekdal, described the team's season as a "failure" and expressed concern they may be relegated. Football analyst and former player Bernt Hulsker described the team as being "exceptionally weak".[37] The side eventually finished mid-table, in eighth place, still far below Deila's expressed aim at the start of the season of a top-three place.[38]

Vålerenga continued to perform poorly into Deila's second season, and a run of only one win in seven games saw them languishing in eighth place at the end of October 2018.[39] Deila admitted to considering his position at the club, stating "I am going to take time and reflect on this. Something has gone very wrong".[39] A 2–1 win over Ranheim on the last day of the season saw Vålerenga finish in sixth place.[40]

New York City FC

On 6 January 2020, Deila was appointed head coach of New York City of Major League Soccer on a three-year deal.[41] He made his debut on 21 February in the last 16 first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League away to San Carlos in Costa Rica, a 5–3 win.[42] The team finished the season by qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs, and lost on penalties in the first round at Orlando City.[43]

Under Deila's guidance, NYCFC won MLS Cup 2021, as they defeated Portland Timbers in the final match with a 4–2 win on penalties, after a 1–1 scoreline in extra time.[44]

Standard Liège

On 13 June 2022, Deila was officially appointed as the head coach of Belgian Pro League club Standard Liège.[45] In his first game on 22 July, the team scored a late equaliser to draw 2–2 at home to Gent, having been down to ten men since the 15th-minute dismissal of Alexandro Calut.[46]

Club Brugge

On 25 May 2023, Deila was announced as the new head coach of club Club Brugge.[47] In August, he led them to defeat Osasuna 4–3 on aggregate to reach the UEFA Conference League group stage.[48] The club announced his departure on 18 March 2024 ahead of the Champions' play-offs in the 2023–24 league season, despite reaching the quarter-finals in the Conference League.[49]

Atlanta United FC

Deila was named head coach of Major League Soccer club Atlanta United on 20 December 2024.[50]

Personal life

Deila's twin daughters – Thale Rushfeldt Deila and Live Rushfeldt Deila – are handball players.[51]

Honours

Player

Odd

Manager

Strømsgodset

Celtic

New York City

Brugge

Individual

Managerial statistics

As of match played 14 December 2024
Team From To Record
G W D L Win %
Brodd 1 June 2005 6 October 2005 12 7 2 3 058.33
Strømsgodset 1 January 2008 6 June 2014 206 95 41 70 046.12
Celtic 6 June 2014[12] 15 May 2016 118 76 22 20 064.41
Vålerenga 1 January 2017 6 January 2020 107 43 26 38 040.19
New York City 6 January 2020 13 June 2022 90 46 15 29 051.11
Standard Liège 13 June 2022 24 May 2023 40 17 9 14 042.50
Club Brugge 1 July 2023 18 March 2024 49 28 11 10 057.14
Al Wahda 5 July 2024 18 December 2024 11 4 3 4 036.36
Atlanta United 20 December 2024 present 0 0 0 0 !—
Total 633 316 129 188 049.92

1Includes UEFA Champions League qualifier match against Legia Warsaw which Celtic lost 2–0 on the night, but was later awarded as a 3–0 win to Celtic due to Legia fielding a suspended player.[19]

References

  1. ^ "Ronny Deila" (in Norwegian). Norwegian Football Federation. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. ^ Ronny Deila at WorldFootball.net
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Norwegian Champions Stromsgodset Write Own History to Shrug Off Liverpool Rout Association". Inside Futbol. 20 November 2013. Retrieved 20 November 2013.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Halliday, Stephen (5 June 2014). "Who is Celtic manager target Ronny Deila?". The Scotsman. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  5. ^ "Godset-trener Ronny Deila klar for Lier-laget Spa/Bra" (in Norwegian). dt.no. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  6. ^ Tjærnås, Jørgen (6 June 2014). "Deila: – Skal gi fansen det de fortjener" (in Norwegian). Stavanger Aftenblad. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  7. ^ Ralston, Gary (6 June 2014). "Ronny Deila turned Stefan Johansen into a Celtic & Norway star.. he's a man who makes a difference, says old pal". Daily Record. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  8. ^ a b Hagen, Simen Næss (10 November 2013). "Deila kåret til Årets trener" (in Norwegian). Røyken og Hurums Avis. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  9. ^ Nilsen, Magne J. (1 November 2013). "Vil lære mer av Klopp" (in Norwegian). dt.no. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  10. ^ "Stromsgodset 2014 : Norwegian Tippeligaen Table – 25.05.2014". Statto. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  11. ^ Cully, Ronnie (4 June 2014). "Celtic move quickly in bid to make Norwegian Ronny Deila their new manager". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 11 March 2015.
  12. ^ a b "Celtic confirm Ronny Deila as new manager". BBC Sport. 6 June 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Ronny Deila appointed as new Celtic manager". Celtic FC. 6 June 2014. Archived from the original on 10 March 2015. Retrieved 6 June 2014. Alt URL
  14. ^ "Celtic appoint John Collins as assistant manager". Celtic FC. 17 July 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  15. ^ Henderson, Mark (13 July 2014). "Ronny Deila: We'll be positive in Iceland". celticfc.net. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  16. ^ McVake, Roddie (15 July 2014). "KR Reykjavík 0 – 1 Celtic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  17. ^ "Celtic 4–0 KR Reykjavik (agg 5–0)". BBC Sport. 22 July 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  18. ^ Lamont, Alasdair (6 August 2014). "Celtic 0 – 2 Legia Warsaw". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  19. ^ a b "Celtic reinstated to Champions League after Uefa punishes Legia Warsaw". The Guardian. 8 August 2014. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  20. ^ "Celtic 0 – 1 NK Maribor". BBC Sport. 26 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  21. ^ "Scottish Premiership: Celtic open title defence with 3–0 win at St Johnstone". Sky Sports. 13 August 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2014.
  22. ^ Lamont, Alasdair (16 August 2014). "Celtic 6 – 1 Dundee United". BBC Sport. Retrieved 28 August 2014.
  23. ^ "Ronny Deila looking for revenge as Celtic travel to Motherwell". Sky Sports. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  24. ^ Wilson, Richard (27 November 2014). "Celtic 1 – 3 FC Red Bull Salzburg". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  25. ^ "Ronny Deila is manager of the month for November". BBC Sport. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  26. ^ Murray, Ewan (1 February 2015). "Celtic push past feeble Rangers in first Old Firm game for three years". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  27. ^ Fosyth, Roddy (19 February 2015). "Celtic 3 Inter Milan 3, match report: John Guidetti scores last-gasp equaliser to keep hosts alive in tie". The Telegraph. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  28. ^ Mullen, Scott (26 February 2015). "Inter 1 Celtic 0 (agg: 4–3): Hoops exit Europe after Guarin's wonder strike". Evening Times. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  29. ^ "Celtic win is important mental lift – Ronny Deila". BBC Sport. 1 March 2015. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  30. ^ MacArthur, Scott (2 March 2015). "Celtic legend John Hartson: "I was wrong about Ronny Deila & Celts can lift The Treble"". Talking Baws. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  31. ^ a b Wilson, Richard (15 March 2015). "Dundee Utd 0 – 2 Celtic". BBC Sport. Retrieved 16 March 2015.
  32. ^ a b "Celtic win Scottish Premiership title after Aberdeen lose". BBC Sport. 2 May 2015. Retrieved 2 May 2015.
  33. ^ Murray, Ewan (26 August 2015). "Celtic's Champions League exit suggests Ronny Deila roadshow has stalled". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  34. ^ "Celtic 'will be ready' for Champions League – Ronny Deila". BBC Sport. 26 November 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2016.
  35. ^ "Ronny Deila: Celtic manager to leave club in summer". BBC Sport. 20 April 2016.
  36. ^ Berglund, Nina (13 July 2016). "Rekdal makes way for Deila". News in English (Norway). Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  37. ^ Ould-Saada, Arilas Berg (11 September 2017). "Rekdal slakter Vålerenga: – en regelrett fiasko". VG Sporten. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  38. ^ Helseth, Marte Nyløkken (12 December 2018). "Kan være ferdig i Vålerenga". Eurosport (Norway). Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  39. ^ a b "Ronny Deila could quit Valerenga as ex-Celtic boss admits "something has gone very wrong"". The Scotsman. 29 October 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  40. ^ "Sportsresultater – 24. november 2018". NRK. 24 November 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  41. ^ "Ronny Deila Named New York City FC Head Coach". New York City FC. 6 January 2020. Retrieved 6 January 2020.
  42. ^ Eftedal, Mathias (21 February 2020). "Seier for Deila i første tellende kamp" (in Norwegian). Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  43. ^ Chale, Caitlyn (30 November 2020). "New York City FC: A review of 2020 and Ronny Deila". MLS Multiplex. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
  44. ^ Liljenwall, Ari (11 December 2021). "New York City FC win MLS Cup 2021". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  45. ^ "Ronny DEILA nouveau T1 des Rouches". Standard de Liège (in French). 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  46. ^ "D1A: réduit à dix, le Standard arrache le match nul en toute fin de match contre La Gantoise (2–2)". Le Soir (in French). 22 July 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  47. ^ "Ronny DEILA is de nieuwe coach van Club Brugge na zijn vertrek bij Standard". Sporza (in Dutch). 13 June 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2023.
  48. ^ "Club Brugge 2–2 Osasuna". UEFA.com. 18 August 2023.
  49. ^ "Club Brugge fires coach Ronny Deila ahead of playoffs in Belgium". AP News. 18 March 2024.
  50. ^ Uribarri, Jaime. "Atlanta United name Ronny Deila head coach". MLSSoccer.com. Major League Soccer. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  51. ^ Fisher, Stewart (25 March 2017). "EXCLUSIVE: Ronny Deila on his new normal in Norway and the fear of failure which afflicted his time at Celtic". The Herald. Retrieved 17 April 2021.
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