Reported today by Doug Roberson of the AJC, Atlanta United are finalizing terms to bring back legendary manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino. He was one of 6 finalists for the job, beating out former Portland Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese, the man he also beat in the 2018 MLS Cup Final. Tata is known for winning Atlanta their only league title and developing a South American flair that took the league by storm.
Martino left Atlanta United for the Mexican national team job after the MLS Cup triumph and won the 2019 Gold Cup soon after, but his tenure ended after Mexico were grouped in the 2022 World Cup. He was the Inter Miami manager from June 2023 to November 2024, where he won the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters Shield with a league record 74 points. He left the club for personal reasons after losing to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.
There are a plenthora of questions on if this return is strictly for nostalgia, out of desperation, or the best hire available. There are also plenty of logistical questions. Could Tata steer the club away from European signings and back to the South American market? Can he maximize Miguel Almiron and the other DP’s? How long will he stay at the club? Will he be able to choose his own players with former Miami employer Chris Henderson?
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This article will be updated when Martino is officially announced as manager, which could be as soon as tomorrow.