Gerardo "Tata" Martino Returns as Head Coach of Atlanta United

Atlanta United has officially appointed Gerardo "Tata" Martino as their head coach, marking his return to the club after a successful initial tenure from 2017 to 2018. Martino has signed a two-year contract that extends through the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This decision follows the departure of Ronny Deila, who managed the team for just one season, leading them to a disappointing 14th place finish in the Eastern Conference with only 28 points, thereby missing the playoffs entirely in 2025.

Tata Martino returns as Atlanta United head coachTata Martino rejoins Atlanta United as head coachWJZ - CBS BaltimoreFrance 24Reuters

During his first stint with Atlanta United, Martino led the team to an MLS Cup title in 2018, achieving a club-record 69 points in the regular season. Under his guidance, Atlanta became one of the most dynamic franchises in the league, recording the most points (124), most goals (140), and best goal differential (+56) during the 2017-18 seasons. Martino's coaching pedigree includes notable positions at Barcelona, the Argentine national team, and Inter Miami, where he recently helped the club secure its first trophies, including the Leagues Cup in 2023.

Tata Martino rejoins Atlanta United as head coach

Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of Atlanta United, expressed enthusiasm about Martino's return, stating, "Tata is an exceptional manager who set the standard for excellence within our club and helped establish our identity in Major League Soccer." Blank emphasized the need for a fresh start, noting, "This moment is not about revisiting the past but about looking ahead and building a new foundation while embracing the continuing evolution of what it takes to contend in MLS on a regular basis."

Tata Martino returns as Atlanta United head coach

Chris Henderson, the club's sporting director, echoed this sentiment, highlighting Martino's clear coaching identity and alignment with the club's values. Martino himself acknowledged the differences in this new project compared to his first tenure, stating, "Our objective will always be to form a winning team that makes our fans feel proud and well-represented every time that they go to Mercedes-Benz Stadium."

Reuters

Despite the excitement surrounding Martino's return, challenges remain. The club has not claimed a trophy since the 2019 season, and the recent performance under Deila raised concerns about the team's direction. Critics may question whether Martino can replicate his past success in a different context, especially given the evolving competitive landscape of MLS.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

As Martino embarks on this new chapter, the focus will be on rebuilding the team's competitive edge and restoring its status as a championship contender. The upcoming season will be crucial for assessing the effectiveness of Martino's strategies and the club's ability to engage its fan base positively.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

• “We are thrilled to welcome Tata back to Atlanta United,” — Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman

Tata Martino returns as Atlanta United head coach

• “Tata is an exceptional manager who set the standard for excellence within our club and helped establish our identity in MLS.” — Arthur M. Blank, Owner and Chairman

France 24

• “ Martino said this would be a different project than his first stint with the club.” — Gerardo "Tata" Martino, Head Coach

Reuters

• “The further along we went in our coaching search, the clearer it became that Tata is the best candidate to lead Atlanta United to the standard of excellence our fans deserve, a standard he helped create,” — Chris Henderson, Sporting Director

France 24