Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino Returning to Atlanta United as Head Coach
Atlanta United is set to re-hire Gerardo “Tata” Martino as its head coach, sources confirmed Wednesday. The move brings the architect of the club’s most successful era back to Georgia, hoping to revitalize a team that has struggled to replicate its early MLS Cup-winning form.
Martino, 62, previously managed Atlanta United from 2016-2018, leading the expansion franchise to an MLS Cup title in 2018.His return comes after a tumultuous period for the Five Stripes, who have cycled through four managers as his departure and qualified for the playoffs only three times in the last six seasons, despite maintaining a high payroll – ranking third in the league at $27.6 million in 2023.
The Argentine coach beat out five other candidates for the position, including former Portland Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese, according to sources. Martino’s previous clubs include Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, the argentina men’s national team, and Inter Miami, where he abruptly left his post last November following a playoff loss to Atlanta.
Martino was Atlanta United’s inaugural manager and quickly established a winning culture. His departure followed the 2018 MLS Cup victory, as he accepted the role of head coach for the Mexico men’s national team.The club hopes his return will bring stability and a return to championship contention.
