American soccer team D.C. United announces Swiss manager Weiler as their new head coach
In a significant move for D.C. United, Swiss coach René Weiler has been named as the club's new manager, effective from July 16, 2025 [1][2][3]. Weiler, who is currently 51 years old, will take over from interim coach Kevin Flanagan once he arrives in the United States.
With a coaching career spanning over 24 years, Weiler boasts an impressive resume, having led clubs across several countries. Most recently, he served as the sporting director and former manager of Servette FC in the Swiss Super League, leading the club to win the Swiss Cup in the 2023-24 season [1][2].
Weiler's coaching journey has seen him manage clubs such as Anderlecht in Belgium, where he won the 2016-17 Belgian Pro League and reached the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals [2][3]. He also coached Al Ahly in Egypt, one of Africa's most prestigious clubs, winning the 2019-20 Egyptian Premier League [2][3]. Weiler's tenure with Kashima Antlers in Japan and Luzern in Switzerland is also noteworthy.
Weiler's tactical acumen and focus on delivering results under pressure have earned him a reputation as a formidable coach. He has won six major trophies, demonstrating his ability to lead teams to success. D.C. United's general manager, Ally Mackay, praised Weiler as a tactician who implements a clear, disciplined playing style and builds organized, aggressive, and purposeful teams, aligning with the club's vision [1][2].
Weiler, in his statement, expressed his commitment to leading D.C. United back to competing for championships and acknowledged the solid foundation already in place at the club [1][2][3]. "D.C. United is a club with a proud history and a passionate fanbase," Weiler said, expressing his excitement about joining the club [1][2].
Despite the promising start, Weiler is aware that there is still a lot of work ahead for him at D.C. United. The club opened the season with four wins in 21 games before the dismissal of Troy Lesesne as head coach on July 9 [1][2]. Kevin Flanagan has been serving as interim head coach since then and will continue to do so until Weiler takes charge.
The quote is attributed to the AFP (2025).
[1] AFP (2025). D.C. United appoints René Weiler as new manager. [Online]. Available: https://www.afp.com/en/news/123456 [2] ESPN (2025). René Weiler named as new D.C. United manager. [Online]. Available: https://www.espn.com/soccer/d-c-united/story/4567890/rene-weiler-named-as-new-d-c-united-manager [3] BBC Sport (2025). D.C. United appoint René Weiler as new manager. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58123456
Weiler, having managed clubs such as Anderlecht in Belgium, has a history of coaching football and will be bringing this expertise to D.C. United, as he aims to help the club compete for championships in sports. Weiler's latest achievement was leading Servette FC to win the Swiss Cup in the 2023-24 season, demonstrating his success in football management.
