In a series of short profiles, Capital Current introduces some of the people working hard to improve life in Ottawa.
Who is he?
Carlos González is the head coach of Atlético Ottawa, Ottawa’s professional soccer team.
What is his background?
After managing the youth academies of some of Spain’s biggest clubs, González jumped across the Mediterranean to get his first opportunity as a head coach at Kuwait SC. He also took the helm of the Kuwait under-23 national team. González led the under-23s to qualify for their first Asian Cup appearance in 10 years. With Kuwait SC he also posted a win percentage of 58.8 and was quickly snapped up by the Kuwaiti national team
How is he known in Ottawa?
Having connections to Atlético Ottawa’s parent club, Atlético Madrid, González was named as head coach in February, 2022. After the team finished last the previous season under a different coach, González led “Ottléti” to a regular season championship in his first season. He also led Ottawa to the playoff final where the team fell short to defending champions Forge FC. González was named the Canadian Premier League Coach of the Year, a highlight in his very short but so far fruitful spell in the capital.
What are people saying about him?
Aden Dube, a local soccer player and Atlético Ottawa supporter, has nothing but praise for the coach. “Since he’s come in, it’s been like night and day. I think the kind of soccer he plays is a lot more entertaining than the last guy,” Dube told Capital Current. “Like, he plays a way more attacking style, which has been working really well.”
What is something people might not know about them?
Outside of soccer, González says he enjoys any and all sports he can do. At the University of Grenada, “I studied sport science and I’m a lover of sport,” González told CPL media. “I play tennis, I do ski [sic], I try to practice every sport that I can.”
