The Portland Timbers announced on Monday that they have fired coach Giovanni Savarese, the winningest coach in franchise history. This decision comes just a day after a disappointing shutout loss to the Houston Dynamo. Savarese had been the team’s coach since 2018 and had led them to the MLS Cup finals in 2018 and 2021.
During his tenure, Savarese achieved a record of 74-62-47, making him the most successful coach in the history of the Portland Timbers. However, the recent 5-0 loss to Houston was the final straw for the club, prompting them to make a change.
Assistant coach Miles Joseph will take over as interim coach for the rest of the season as the Timbers aim to improve their current standing in the Western Conference. With 10 regular-season matches remaining, Joseph will have the opportunity to make a positive impact and potentially lead the team to better results.
Owner Merritt Paulson expressed his gratitude for Savarese’s contributions to the club, stating, Gio has been an exceptional coach for the Timbers and a joy to work with. He has achieved some fabulous results during his tenure with the club … He will be missed.
General Manager Ned Grabavoy emphasized the need for a new direction, saying, I believe the club is ready for a new direction and voice to help lead us forward. Miles Joseph will take over as interim head coach as we begin our process to identify who will help lead our team in the years ahead. This moment serves as a chance for our club to reset, with a goal of re-establishing our ability to consistently compete at the highest level.
As the Timbers currently sit in 12th place in the Western Conference with 26 points, there is undoubtedly room for improvement. The decision to part ways with Savarese serves as a bold move in the club’s quest for success. With Joseph assuming the role of interim coach, all eyes will be on the team as they strive to turn their season around and climb up the standings.
Ultimately, the firing of Giovanni Savarese signifies the Portland Timbers’ desire for change and a fresh start. It remains to be seen who will be chosen to lead the team in the future, but until then, the focus will be on finishing the current season strongly under the guidance of Miles Joseph.
