Leading the Vancouver Whitecaps to the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2024 didn’t save Vanni Sartini from losing his job on Monday.
Sartini and the Whitecaps parted ways on Monday, ending a three-year run with him at the position. The Italian originally joined the Whitecaps as first team assistant coach prior to the start of the 2019 MLS season, before transitioning to director of methodology in September 2020 and Whitecaps FC II head coach.
He later became acting head coach in 2021 and led the club to the MLS Cup Playoffs later that season. Sartini was officially named head coach in November of that year.
During his time as head coach, Sartini led the Whitecaps to a 44-40-32 record in MLS play. He led the club to three-consecutive Canadian Championships, as well as clinching MLS playoff berths in three of four years.
“We are incredibly grateful to Vanni,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director and chief executive officer Axel Schuster, . “Since arriving in Vancouver six years ago, Vanni gave his all to this club and city. He embraced everything with passion and enjoyed tremendous success along the way. I am extremely thankful for our friendship and wish him all the best.
The Whitecaps suffered elimination from the playoff this season at the hands of LAFC, losing over three legs.
I haven’t followed MLS this year as closely as I usually do, but I thought the Whitecaps were doing better than they have done historically. A tough business when they show you the door anyway.
Man, if he could get those results with that talent in that conference, I’m curious how he would do with ATL’s talent and budget in the Eastern Conference.