Major League Soccer’s latest expansion team Charlotte FC has appointed Mikel Antia as assistant manager to serve under head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez.
The former Newcastle assistant joins the team on a three-year deal with his official hire pending his work visa, the club announced on Wednesday.
Mikel Antía about joining the coaching staff? #ForTheCrown pic.twitter.com/uBfU1lt51n
– Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) July 14, 2021
The 49-year-old Spaniard joins Major League Soccer from the Chinese side Dalian Pro, where he served from 2019 to 2021. He has previously assisted the Premier League team Newcastle United from 2016 to 2019. During his time in England, Antia served under Rafael Benitez who led the team’s promotion to the Premier League.
“We look forward to welcoming Mikel to Charlotte FC. We are very pleased with the coaching team we are setting up for our first season, says sports director Zoran Krneta in a club statement.
“Mikel provides a wealth of experience and knowledge about playing styles, methodology and player development systems. We expect our newly formed coach with head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez, assistant Christian Lattanzio and Mikel to lead a competition team. ”
Before moving to a managerial position, Antia played for Celta Vigo, Real Valladolid and Real Sociedad throughout his career.
“I am very happy to have the opportunity to join Charlotte FC’s coaching team and work with Miguel and Christian,” said Antía.
“I have known Miguel since my time at Aspire Academy 2012-2016 and have seen his development as a coach. Football is my passion and the opportunity to help build this club allows me to combine different playing styles based on rhythm, intensity and a solid understanding of the game. ”
Antia is the third person to join the Charlotte FC staff, after head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez and assistant coach Christian Lattanzio. Charlotte FC also signed defenders Christian Fuchs, Adam Armor and Jan Sobociński and midfielders Brandt Bronico, Sergio Ruiz and Riley McGree.
