The Spaniard, together with assistants Christian Lattanzio and Mikel Antía, will lead the MLS expansion team in the inaugural season in 2022
Charlotte, NC (Thursday, July 22, 2021) – Charlotte FC officially introduced today its first head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez during a press conference at Bank of America Stadium. The Spaniard joins Charlotte FC after coaching club SC Internacional (Brazil’s top-flight Série A league) and leading Ecuadorian team, Independiente del Valle, in their first major win in history at Copa Sudamericana in 2019.
The event featured remarks by Charlotte FC Owner, David Tepper, President Nick Kelly and head coach Ramírez. Attendees included city dignitaries, leadership of Tepper Sports & Entertainment, Charlotte FC supporters, players Adam Armour and Brandt Bronico, and members of the Charlotte FC Academy.
“This is a historic moment as we welcome Miguel as the first-ever head coach of Charlotte Football Club,” said Owner David Tepper. “This was a long and thorough search process, but I knew we had the right coach quickly after speaking with him. He’s a process-oriented, disciplined coach who is not afraid to push the limits. He knows how he wants to play the game. It’s an aggressive, exciting, attacking style of play on offense and defense, and he knows how to develop talent. This is an exciting day and I can’t wait for us to take the pitch in 2022.”
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The native of Las Palmas, Spain, is considered one of the top up-and-coming coaches in South America. Ramírez, 36, currently resides in Spain and will be relocating to Charlotte, N.C., this summer.“It is my honor and privilege to accept this position and a great pleasure to be the first head coach in the club’s history. Charlotte FC is where I want to start a new chapter in my life,” said head coach Ramírez. “It is a beautiful challenge to help build a competitive, winning club and I can’t be more excited about helping elevate the passion of soccer to the Carolinas. We will be very proud and grateful to have our home full of passionate fans in 2022 and beyond.”
To celebrate Ramírez, the club is also hosting an Exclusive Head Coach Welcome Party for Inaugural Season Ticket Members to meet coach on Friday, July 23. More information is available here.
Photos of the press conference can be downloaded here.
Players Impressions and Expectations
Defenders
Adam Armour
“I am very excited to work with the coaching staff the club has selected. Head coach Ramírez has a history of developing young players, I am enthusiastic about his entertaining and efficient playing style. I feel that we have a very good mix with a staff that brings experience from Europe, South America, and the MLS.”
Christian Fuchs
“I am excited and looking forward to work with our coaching team. Head coach Ramírez has shown that he can bring success to a club within a short amount of time and is exactly what our club needs. All coaches have years of experience and will help, together with a good team, create success for Charlotte FC.”
Jan Sobociński
“I think that we will work well together, that we will create a good group together with the entire team. I believe that we will fight for the highest goals and that all training staff will prepare us properly for the inaugural season and we will function at a high level as a team.”
Midfielders
Brandt Bronico
“It is extremely exciting seeing Miguel, Christian, and Mikel shape the coaching staff. I have heard nothing but great things about all three of them and I am excited to work, grow, and, ultimately, win trophies together beginning in 2022!”
Riley McGree
“I am really excited to see the coaching staff come together. I am looking forward to the challenge of our inaugural season, working with the head coach and his team to be the best we can.”
Sergio Ruiz
“I am looking forward to working with this coaching staff, I have been able to meet head coach Miguel personally and he transmits a lot of enthusiasm and an exciting style of play.”
