Vanni Sartini becomes Vancouver Whitecaps head coach - "Thrilled to remove interims tag"

It is now official, Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps have signed current interim head coach Vanni Sartini to a permanent contract. According to Transfermarkt information a deal has been verbally in place for some time but with the season now concluded the contract is now wrapped up. Sartini has agreed to a two-year contract through 2023. 

"We are thrilled to officially remove the interim tag and announce Vanni as our MLS head coach," Vancouver Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a club statement. "He truly loves the game, this club, and this city. After the midseason change, Vanni has proven that he has a strong tactical understanding of what is required to succeed, as well as a clear vision and style of play. His passion and enthusiasm have energized our club and community. Together, with Vanni and his staff in 2022, we want to make the next steps in our development and have more exciting moments together with our fans at BC Place."

Sartini took over from Marc Dos Santos, who was released by the club after the Vancouver Whitecaps were eliminated by Pacific FC (4-3) in the Canadian Championship in August. Under Sartini the 'Caps averaged 1.73 points per match and reached the MLS Cup Playoffs where the club was eliminated by Sporting Kansas City in the first round (3-1). With a record of 7W-2L-5D in the regular season, Sartini had the second-best record in the Western Conference during that span. 

Sartini: "Last three months have completely changed my life"

"These last three months have completely changed my life," Sartini said in a club statement. "When the club gave me the chance to be the head coach in August, I didn't know how long I was going to last but I knew that I had to give everything and make the most of the opportunity. ... Everyone now knows we are a good team, there are certain standards that need to be met, and the best is yet to come."