New Coach Ryan Richter Aims to Reset the Union’s Culture

Ryan Richter steps into a tough spot at Philadelphia Union after the team slipped from winning the Supporters’ Shield to losing 14 of its first 15 games this season. He has just over six weeks before his first match to decide how to turn things around. Instead of rushing into tactics, Richter says the priority is changing the team’s daily mindset and passion. “We need to set a culture that shows how we want to compete every day, ” he told a small group of reporters. Richter joined the club in 2011 as a player and has been involved at every level—youth coach, first‑team assistant, reserve‑team manager, and now interim head coach. He learned how to lead a squad when he ran Union II in 2025, which prepared him for this role.

He respects his predecessor but acknowledges that change is necessary. He won’t overhaul the club’s counter‑attacking style, which has been in place since 2018. Instead, he plans to add flexibility and give players more freedom on the field. Richter’s first weeks focused on talking to players, listening to their thoughts and setting clear expectations. He wants the team to “meet players where they’re at” rather than dictate a rigid system. The Union has struggled defensively, conceding 30 goals in 15 games, and Richter aims to reduce that damage while diversifying attacks from a young roster. The club may sign new players, but he will work with or without them. No timeline has been set for how long Richter stays, but he says he is committed to doing his best regardless of the future. He relies on long‑standing relationships with players and staff, hoping everyone feels part of a new direction.

Actions