The Portland Timbers have filled their head coaching vacancy.Marti Cifuentes has joined the Western Conference club, signing a three-year contract through the 2028-29 MLS season. The 44-year-old takes over for Phil Neville, who was relieved of his duties in May. Interim head coach Jack Cassidy will continue in his role until Cifuentes’ arrival.A native Catalonia, Spain, Cifuentes joins the Timbers after past coaching stops in England, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and Spain. Most recently, Cifuentes managed Leicester City in the EFL Championship, registering an 11-9-11 record in all competitions. He also managed at QPR, Hammarby, Aalborg, Sandefjord, among other clubs. Cifuentes helped QPR fight off relegation from the EFL Championship in 2024 and also led Hammarby to a Svenska Cupen final berth, a third-place finish in the 2022-23 Allsvenskan season, and subsequent qualification for the 2023-24 UEFA Europa Conference League.“I am incredibly excited to become the next head coach of this club,” Cifuentes said. “My conversations with Merritt and Ned were truly inspiring, and their vision aligns perfectly with what I want to be part of. I have always followed MLS, and it has long been an ambition of mine to experience this league. To have the chance to do so at a club like Portland, with such an incredible fanbase and an exciting group of players, is truly special. I know how passionate this city is about soccer, and the connection between the club and the city is what makes this opportunity so meaningful.”The Timbers currently sit 11th in the 15-club Western Conference and resume MLS play on Wednesday against FC Dallas.