PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers have announced the appointment of Martí Cifuentes as their new head coach as the team prepares to resume play in Major League Soccer following a hiatus.
Cifuentes has signed a three-year contract with the Timbers, securing his position through the end of the 2028-29 MLS season. The Spanish coach will officially join the team once his visa has been approved, as stated by the Timbers on Tuesday.
“I have always been an admirer of MLS, and it’s been a longstanding goal of mine to be part of this league,” said Cifuentes in his statement. “Having the opportunity to join a club like Portland, which has such an amazing fanbase and a talented group of players, is incredibly exciting.”
At 44 years old, Cifuentes previously coached Leicester City in the EFL Championship but was dismissed earlier this year after the team found itself in 14th place. He also spent two seasons as coach at Queens Park Rangers.
Cifuentes takes over from Phil Neville, who left the Timbers in late May following a 3-1 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes at home.
Currently, the Timbers sit at 5-8-2 this season, occupying the 11th spot in the Western Conference.
“Martí is a young, analytical leader with a profound intellectual curiosity for his craft. He has proven himself in various high-pressure situations across different countries, and I am confident that with our support, Martí Cifuentes will create something remarkable in Portland,” said Timbers owner Merritt Paulson.
Meanwhile, Jack Cassidy will continue as the interim head coach until Cifuentes arrives. Under Cassidy’s leadership, the Timbers recently achieved a 5-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC in his debut match.
Portland is set to face FC Dallas on July 22, marking their second game since the MLS season resumed last week.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.