Atlanta United has reappointed Gerardo “Tata” Martino as the head coach, a move met with enthusiasm by fans of the club. The announcement came on Thursday, with Martino signing a contract that runs through the 2027 MLS season.
Martino, who was Atlanta United’s inaugural head coach, previously led the team to an MLS Cup victory in 2018 and was named the league’s coach of the year in that same season. Team owner Arthur M. Blank praised Martino’s leadership, referring to him as a “steward of our club’s values” and highlighting his exceptional management skills that helped carve out the club’s identity within Major League Soccer.
“We are thrilled to welcome Tata back to Atlanta United,” said Blank. “Since his first tenure, he has continued to find success globally, and we believe he is the right person to lead us on this new journey forward. There is much work ahead to return to championship form, and together we will focus on building a winning team that resonates with our loyal fans.”
Martino, 62, has extensive coaching experience that spans over 25 years, including stints in Spain, Paraguay, Argentina, and Mexico, and he most recently managed Inter Miami CF. Under his guidance, the team achieved unprecedented success within the league, showcasing his ability to elevate teams to new heights.
Expressing his gratitude, Martino stated, “I want to thank Arthur and Chris for the opportunity to return to the club and a city where we have wonderful memories. This new project differs from my first time here, but with the support of our ownership, players, and coaching staff, our goal remains to build a winning team that makes our fans proud whenever they are at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.”
Martino’s arrival coincides with a change in leadership as he takes over from Ronny Deila, who was let go after just one season. Following a drought without trophies since the 2019 season, when the team won both the U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup, Atlanta United is hopeful that Martino’s return will signal a new era of success for the franchise.