By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC have promoted Vanni Sartini as head coach. He had been serving as the team’s interim head coach for the second half of the season.
He replaces Marc Dos Santos in August. Since he took over as interim head coach, the team went 7-2-5.
The team had the second-best record in the Western Conference since he took over before the end of the season. He also guided the team to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
“We are thrilled to officially remove the interim tag and announce Vanni as our MLS head coach,” sporting director Axel Schuster said in a club release. “He truly loves the game, this club and this city. After the midseason change, Vanni has proven that he has a strong tactical understanding of what is required to succeed, as well as clear vision and style of play. “His passion and enthusiasm have energized our club and community. Together, with Vanni and his staff in 2022, we want to make the next steps in our development and have more exciting moments together with our fans at BC Place.”
Before being promoted to interim head coach, he had been the team’s assistant coach since 2019. He is expected to retain assistant coaches Ricardo Clark, Michael D’Agostino, and Youssef Dahha.
“These last three months have completely changed my life,” said Sartini. “When the club gave me the chance to be the head coach in August, I didn’t know how long I was going to last but I knew that I had to give everything and make the most of the opportunity. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by a great team and I’m so honored, but also so excited, to help grow this club and continue this journey. Everyone now knows we are a good team, there are certain standards that need to be met, and the best is yet to come.”
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