Portland Timbers set to hire Martí Cifuentes as new head coach
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 1:37 AM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
The Portland Timbers are expected to appoint former Leicester manager Martí Cifuentes as their new head coach. This decision follows the departure of Phil Neville and the interim management of Jack Cassidy. Cifuentes' tactical approach and attacking style are seen as key to improving a defense that has allowed the third-most goals in MLS this season. The Timbers currently sit 11th in the Western Conference table, just six points above last place. His appointment will take place once he receives his visa.
- •Cifuentes previously managed Leicester City and QPR.
- •Timbers have conceded 29 goals in 14 games this season.
- •Cifuentes' attacking strategy is a focus for the Timbers' scouts.
- •Timbers won their first match back 5-1 against Seattle Sounders under Cassidy.
- 9:42 PMESPN Soccer — Timbers hire former Leicester manager Cifuentes
- 8:03 PMYahoo Sports — Martí Cifuentes named new coach of the Portland Timbers
- 1:37 AMYahoo Sports — Timbers 'set to hire' former Leicester boss as new head coach 🇪🇸
"The Portland Timbers have hired Martí Cifuentes as the team’s new head coach. Cifuentes signed a three-year contract with Portland through the 2028-29 Major League Soccer season. The Spanish coach will join the team following the visa approval process, the Timbers said Tuesday.
"Portland Timbers have reportedly selected former Leicester manager Martí Cifuentes as their next head coach, according to The Athletic's Tom Bogert. The West Conference club currently have interim he...
"The Portland Timbers have hired Martí Cifuentes as the team's new head coach.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJul 21, 2026, 9:42 PMTimbers hire former Leicester manager Cifuentes
The Portland Timbers have hired Martí Cifuentes as the team's new head coach.
- Yahoo SportsJul 21, 2026, 8:03 PMMartí Cifuentes named new coach of the Portland Timbers
The Portland Timbers have hired Martí Cifuentes as the team’s new head coach. Cifuentes signed a three-year contract with Portland through the 2028-29 Major League Soccer season. The Spanish coach will join the team following the visa approval process, the Timbers said Tuesday.
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 1:37 AMTimbers 'set to hire' former Leicester boss as new head coach 🇪🇸
Portland Timbers have reportedly selected former Leicester manager Martí Cifuentes as their next head coach, according to The Athletic's Tom Bogert. The West Conference club currently have interim he...
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