Full Breakdown
St. Louis CITY SC Appoints Yoann Damet as New Head Coach
12/17/2025, 12:20:39 PM
Coaching Background and Experience
St. Louis CITY SC has appointed Yoann Damet as its new head coach ahead of the team's fourth season in Major League Soccer (MLS). Damet, 35, brings nearly two decades of coaching experience, having most recently served as an assistant coach with the Columbus Crew, where he contributed to the team's victories in the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup. His coaching career began in France at the age of 16, with roles at youth clubs such as Beaune FC, Jura Sud Foot, and Dijon FCO. In 2014, he transitioned to North America, joining the CF Montreal Academy.
Damet's MLS journey includes two stints as interim head coach at FC Cincinnati in 2019 and 2020, where he made history as the youngest coach to debut and win an MLS match. He later served as head coach of LA Galaxy II before joining the first-team staff at LA Galaxy under Greg Vanney. Following the 2022 season, he moved to the Columbus Crew, where he was instrumental in their recent successes.
Vision for the Team
Sporting Director Corey Wray expressed confidence in Damet's abilities, stating, “Yoann has all the attributes we were looking for in a manager and aligns closely with the vision and direction we have for this team.” Wray highlighted Damet's experience with top teams and coaches, emphasizing his ambition, competitiveness, and exceptional communication skills. Damet aims to enhance the club's high-work-rate identity while introducing a more proactive, ball-focused style of play.
President and General Manager Diego Gigliani echoed this sentiment, noting Damet's "uncompromising desire to win" and his alignment with the club's values. Damet himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I’m honored to be joining CITY SC and really looking forward to getting to work with the team.”
Transition and Future Outlook
Damet takes over from David Critchley, who served as interim head coach after the dismissal of Olof Mellberg, who had a challenging tenure that left the team struggling in the standings. CITY SC failed to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs in the past two seasons, despite a strong start as an expansion team in 2023.
The team is set to kick off its 2026 season at home against Charlotte FC on February 21, 2026. Fans and analysts have noted that Damet's appointment represents a strategic risk for the club, with some suggesting it signals a long-term project aimed at revitalizing the team's competitive edge.
Official Statements and Responses
Corey Wray remarked on Damet's potential impact, stating, “He has invaluable experience working with some of the best teams and coaches in the league that I am sure will help him get the best out of our players.” Damet's coaching philosophy emphasizes a player-centered approach and effective communication, aiming to build trust and relationships within the team.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yoann has all the attributes we were looking for in a manager and aligns closely with the vision and direction we have for this team,” — Corey Wray, Sporting Director
- “In his own words, Damet expressed his eagerness to lead the team: “I’m honored to be joining CITY SC and really looking forward to getting to work with the team.” — Yoann Damet, Head Coach
- “Through our conversations, it was clear that Yoann will bring an uncompromising desire to win,” — Diego Gigliani, President and GM
This appointment marks a significant moment for St. Louis CITY SC as it seeks to enhance its performance and engage its fanbase in the upcoming season.
