Portland Timbers to appoint former Leicester City manager Marti Cifuentes as head coach

Published Jul 19, 12:51 AM UTC

The Portland Timbers are set to appoint Martí Cifuentes as their new head coach, according to sources briefed on the decision. The 44-year-old Spaniard will replace Phil Neville, who was dismissed in May. Cifuentes, who previously managed Leicester City, QPR, and Hammarby, was chosen for his tactical acumen and attacking mentality. He will take over from interim manager Jack Cassidy upon receipt of his visa. The Timbers currently sit 11th in the Western Conference, three points below the playoff line with 19 matches remaining. Other finalists in the coaching search included Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen and former Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff. Cifuentes was fired by Leicester in January when the team was 14th but six points off the playoffs; Leicester later won only one of its next 15 matches and was relegated. The Timbers believe key players like Kristoffer Velde and David Da Costa will fit well under Cifuentes.