Gotham FC Head Coach Juan Carlos Amorós announced today that he is stepping away from the team for five weeks, effective today after the club’s 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Seattle Reign. Lead assistant coach Shaun Harris will be taking Amorós’ place while he is out on leave.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at Gotham FC for supporting us unconditionally while we were deciding to take this step,” Amorós said while announcing the news.
Amorós informed Gotham’s players of his decision ahead
of the club’s July 4th matchup against San Diego Wave FC. The club has been preparing for his leave for the past five or six weeks. He noted that “from the moment I started talking to them, they were on my side trying to support me and help us come up with a plan.”
The decision didn’t come lightly for the head coach. “It was incredibly difficult for me,” he told members of the media. “As head coaches, our identities become so attached to who we are professionally. I also need to take care of one of my other identities, which is being a dad. I don’t want to fail as a dad.”
Amorós also took the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of his decision in the world of sports. “This is a personal decision for our family, but I also recognize the visibility that comes with my role,” he said. “When fathers take parental leave, particularly men in leadership positions, it helps normalize an important principle: caring for children is a shared responsibility between parents. I need to be there for my family.”
“I’m looking forward to returning and pushing for our third championship, but for now I’m also very excited and grateful to be with my wife and our family at such an important time in our lives. I hope this step I’m taking as a male head coach encourages other head coaches, male or female, to do the same,” he continued. “The biggest struggle we always have as head coaches is finding the balance between our family life and our professional life, and I really hope this helps others make that decision.”
“I could not be prouder to work for a club that recognizes people should be supported as parents, regardless of their position or role,” Amorós finished. “I have complete confidence in our staff and players, and I look forward to spending this important time with my family before returning to the team. Shaun Harris will serve as our acting head coach in my absence, and I know we’ll be in great hands.”
