Full Breakdown
CF Montreal Fires Head Coach Marco Donadel Amid Disappointing Start to Season
4/12/2026, 9:00:12 PM
Coaching Changes at CF Montreal
CF Montreal has terminated the contract of head coach Marco Donadel following a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Philadelphia Union, which left the team joint-bottom of the Major League Soccer (MLS) standings. The announcement was made by the club on Sunday, and Philippe Eullaffroy, who recently returned to the club as an assistant coach, will serve as interim head coach until a permanent replacement is found. This marks a continuation of the club's trend of short managerial tenures, with no coach having led the team for more than 92 matches since joining MLS in 2012.
Performance Under Donadel
Donadel's tenure, which lasted just six months, was characterized by poor performance, with the team winning only seven of 42 matches across all competitions. His appointment as permanent head coach came in October 2025 after he initially took over on an interim basis in March of the same year, following the dismissal of Laurent Courtois. Under Courtois, the team had a dismal start, recording an 0-4-1 record. The club's struggles continued under Donadel, who faced significant challenges, including a lack of impactful player acquisitions during the offseason.
Context of the Season
The 2026 season has been particularly challenging for CF Montreal, which has only secured one victory in its first seven matches. The team has conceded 19 goals during this period, with their sole win being a 3-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls. The club's offseason strategy was criticized for its lack of significant player moves, with the most notable signing being defender Brayan Vera for $1.2 million in general allocation money. Other additions, such as Iván Jaime and Frankie Amaya, are on loan, further complicating the team's roster stability.
Official Statements & Responses
In its statement regarding Donadel's firing, CF Montreal acknowledged the need for change following the team's poor performance. The club also announced the departure of assistant coaches Jacopo Falanga and Lorenzo Pinzauti, leaving Eullaffroy with a reduced coaching staff as the team prepares for its next match against the New York Red Bulls.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the club's management have pointed to a pattern of instability and ineffective decision-making, particularly regarding coaching changes. The club's ownership under Joey Saputo has faced scrutiny for its inability to adapt to the evolving financial landscape of MLS, which has hindered the team's competitiveness.
What's Next
As CF Montreal looks to rebound from its poor start, the immediate focus will be on finding a permanent head coach who can instill a new direction and strategy for the team. The upcoming match against the New York Red Bulls will be crucial for Eullaffroy as he attempts to stabilize the team in the wake of these significant changes.
