The Portland Timbers announced Tuesday that Marti Cifuentes will serve as the club’s new head coach, agreeing to a three-year contract that runs through the 2028-29 season.
Cifuentes, a 44-year-old native of Spain, brings over 20 years of coaching experience gathered across several European countries. His most recent position was with English side Leicester City in the EFL Championship.
He takes over the role vacated by Phil Neville, who and the Timbers mutually agreed to part ways in late May. Interim coach Jack Cassidy will continue in that role until Cifuentes officially joins the team.
Timbers owner Merritt Paulson expressed strong enthusiasm for the hire in a press release. “This has been by far the most detailed and exhaustive head coaching search the Timbers have ever executed, and we are thrilled to have the process culminate in Marti Cifuentes taking the reins of our club,” Paulson said.
Paulson added, “Marti is a young, analytical leader who is as intellectually curious about his trade as I have seen in a coach. He has been tested in a variety of high-pressure environments and countries, and I have no doubt that with our support, Marti Cifuentes will build something truly special in Portland.”
Beyond Leicester City, Cifuentes has also led clubs in Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway throughout his coaching career.
The new coach shared his own excitement about the opportunity. “I am incredibly excited to become the next head coach of this club,” Cifuentes said. “My conversations with Merritt and (general manager) Ned (Grabavoy) were truly inspiring, and their vision aligns perfectly with what I want to be part of. I have always followed MLS, and it has long been an ambition of mine to experience this league. To have the chance to do so at a club like Portland, with such an incredible fanbase and an exciting group of players, is truly special. I know how passionate this city is about soccer, and the connection between the club and the city is what makes this opportunity so meaningful.”
Cifuentes also spoke to his goals for the team’s future. “We want to build a team with a clear identity, strong ambition, and a real sense of togetherness, one that represents this city and makes our supporters proud. Soccer in the U.S. is entering a new era, with the country hosting the World Cup and the sport continuing to grow in so many ways. To be part of that journey and contribute to the next chapter of the game here is a privilege.”
On the field, Portland returned from the FIFA World Cup break with a strong showing, defeating rival Seattle Sounders 5-1 on the road Thursday. The club currently holds a record of 15-5-8 with 17 points, placing them 11th in the Western Conference — three points outside the playoff cut line.
