(Reuters) On the same day Seattle assistant coach Gonzalo Pineda was named the Atlanta United head coach, the Sounders also lost assistant Djimi Traore.
The club announced yesterday that Traore, 41, is pursuing a leadership role at a top-flight European club. An exact destination is expected to be announced soon.
“While this is a day I thought may happen, it is not easy to say goodbye to such accomplished players like Djimi and Gonzo, who transformed stellar playing careers into becoming two of the best young coaches in MLS. I could not be happier for the new opportunities in front of them,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said in a release. “They have been essential pieces of our club’s success, both on and off the pitch. I have so much respect for their effort and dedication to help this club achieve success. I know they will be successful in the next chapter of their coaching careers.”
Traore joined the Seattle coaching staff prior to the 2016 season and helped the club to four MLS Cup appearances and two championships (2016, 2019).
The French-born defender played professionally in Europe from 1996-2012 before finishing his career with the Sounders from 2013-14.
“It is with heavy heart that I leave Seattle, a city that has treated me like one of its own since I joined Sounders FC in 2013,” Traore said in a release. “I’d like to thank every teammate, coach and staff member over the years for making me a better professional. I have been fortunate to work for the best coach in MLS, and I learned so much from Brian and my fellow assistant coaches.
“This next opportunity is one I could not pass up, as it will allow me to further develop my professional skillset in new and exciting ways. Seattle will always be a second home to me, and I wish everyone in this organization the best going forward. Thank you to everyone in this city that welcomed my family and for showing us such a great experience in America.”
