Football club DC United appoints Swiss coach René Weiler as a replacement for Lesesne
René Weiler, a highly accomplished football manager with over two decades of experience, has been appointed as the new head coach of D.C. United. Known for his tactical discipline, adaptability, and talent development, Weiler brings a wealth of domestic and international success to the Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
Born in Switzerland, Weiler began his coaching career as an assistant at FC Winterthur. He later held various roles at St Gallen and Grasshopper Zurich, including interim coach and U21/U16 coach. His first senior management role was with FC Schaffhausen in the Swiss third division, where he managed 55 games. He then led FC Aarau from the Swiss second tier (Challenge League) to promotion to the top-flight Super League in 2013.
Weiler's career abroad has been marked by significant achievements. He won the 2016–17 Belgian Pro League title with Anderlecht, one of Belgium’s most successful clubs. He also guided Al Ahly to the 2019–20 Egyptian Premier League title, establishing himself as a top coach in African football. Weiler's international experience includes managing in Japan’s J1 League, Germany's second division, and most recently, Servette FC in the Swiss Super League, where he led the club to the 2024 Swiss Cup title, their first major trophy in over two decades.
As D.C. United's new coach, Weiler is fully committed to leading the team back to competing at the highest level in MLS. He will take over once he receives a U.S. work permit and is scheduled to arrive at the club. Until then, Kevin Flanagan will remain interim coach.
D.C. United fired coach Troy Lesesne last week, with the team's record at the time being 4-11-7. The match against Charlotte, scheduled for Wednesday night, was a significant opportunity for the team to improve their record before Weiler's arrival. The foundation on site gives Weiler confidence in what they can build at D.C. United.
René Weiler's impressive coaching history and achievements make him an exciting addition to D.C. United. His tactical acumen, adaptability, and proven track record of success at both domestic and international levels make him one of the most accomplished coaches to join MLS in recent years. D.C. United fans can look forward to a new era under the guidance of this highly-regarded coach.
Despite his recent success with Servette FC in the Swiss Super League, winning the 2024 Swiss Cup title, René Weiler has now set his sights on Toronto, aiming to bring his tactical expertise and proven success to the soccer scene. In the near future, football fans in Toronto should keep an eye on the news for updates about his impact on the sports scene in the city.
