New York City FC wasted little time naming a new head coach: Domènec Torrent.
The announcement came hours after NYCFC officially said goodbye to former coach Patrick Vieira, who accepted a job with OGC Nice in France’s Ligue 1.
Torrent, 55, joins the club after spending 11 years as an assistant coach to Pep Guardiola — at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and most recently at Manchester City, sister club to NYCFC under the City Football Group. Previously, Torrent coached Girona FC in Spain’s third division in 2005-06. Torrent signed a contract with NYCFC through 2020 and is waiting for approval of a United States work permit to assume his new role.
“Though I have enjoyed a wonderful 11 years working alongside my colleague and close friend Pep Guardiola – it has always been my ambition to manage a team again and I really couldn’t have hoped for a better opportunity than at this football club,” Torrent said in a statement released Monday by the club. “I know we have a very talented team, I have watched many of the matches and I enjoy the way the team plays, and I now can’t wait to begin working with the players on the training pitch.
“Though I have been fortunate enough to visit New York on numerous occasions, I am looking forward to living and coaching in this special city and meeting the fans as soon as possible. I am eager to experience and play a part in the soccer culture of New York.”