Philadelphia Union vs Atlanta United, Concacaf Champions League: Harsh criticism against Gabriel Heinze

Atlanta United led by Gabriel Heinze could not overcome the 3-0 they suffered in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League and was eliminated in the quarterfinals against the Philadelphia Union after drawing 1-1. El Gringo said goodbye to the competition involved in a scandal after the explosive statements that rival coach Jim Curtin dedicated to him.

“I have a lot of respect for Gabriel Heinze. Incredible race, he won it all. He is a champion. He is an incredible coach, he was an incredible player, but he can still be a sore loser and be an idiot at the end of the game”, fired the 41-year-old coach who since 2014 has been in charge of the main squad of the Philadelphia team.

The reason for the statements? They had a heated exchange on the field of play as soon as the match ended at Subaru Park in Chester and, according to Curtin, it was related to the Argentine becoming angry because he considered that the Union players faked injuries.

“I went to shake his hand after the game in Atlanta and he was a little offended. Then I went again, shook his hand and he was a little dismissive. I said, 'You weren't going to shake my hand again,' and we ended up having a discussion about the game. He thought our players were throwing themselves and faking injuries. I understand it, but I don't think that's what it's about”, Curtin exploded to reporters.

“I still think there is a correct way. I think you should shake hands like men after the game. You will probably have something to say now that I have said that. But again, I'm not going to sit here and take it anymore”, he said bluntly for his colleague.

Atlanta had suffered an unexpected 3-0 defeat at home in a match that started with Argentines Alan Franco, Marcelino Moreno, Esequiel Barco, Santiago Sosa and Franco Ibarra. In the rematch as a visitor he signed a 1-1 draw thanks to the goal of former River Sosa, but that marker did not reach him. To make matters worse, Heinze had to do without Barco and the Mexican Jürgen Damm due to different injuries.

The harsh statements of Jim Curtin against Gabriel Heinze