The LAFC coach will step down and return to Germany at the end of the season, the club announced
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Steve Cherundolo will leave LAFC at end of 2025 campaignLed Los Angeles franchise to 2022 MLS Cup, 2024 U.S. Open CupLAFC seventh in West, eliminated from Champions CupFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Steve Cherundolo will step down as LAFC coach at the end of the 2025 campaign, the club announced on Friday. The manager, who has been in charge since 2022, enjoyed a strong start to his tenure, but has come under pressure in recent months for failing to build on that success.
Cherundolo said the move "is in the best interest of my family."
AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Cherundolo's debut season in Los Angeles was a record-breaking one, as he became the first manager to win both MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield in his initial campaign. Since then, LAFC have struggled at times.
LAFC lost in the 2023 MLS Cup Final, and were eliminated in the 2024 Western Conference semifinals – despite having one of the highest payrolls in the league. The opening to this season has been underwhelming, with LAFC seventh in the West and bounced from the CONCACAF Champions League by Inter Miami in the quarterfinal stage.
WHAT CHERUNDOLO SAID
Cherundolo outlined the decision in a statement: "It is an honor to be the head coach of LAFC. After much reflection and discussion with my family, we made the decision that at the end of this year we will return to Germany. I love Los Angeles and LAFC, but this move is in the best interest of my family, even as it will ultimately take us away from a team, city, organization and fan base that I am proud to represent. I am looking forward to continuing our work with the players, coaches and staff to make the 2025 season a success as we keep fighting to win trophies."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LAFC AND CHERUNDOLO?
LAFC face Portland Saturday night at Providence Park. After that, they will host St. Louis on April 27.
