'Tata' Martino Poised to Shock MLS as Former Inter Miami Manager Eyes Rival Club Takeover

Ex-Inter Miami head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino is allegedly close to securing a contract to lead Atlanta United.

The Five Stripes have been searching for a new head coach in recent weeks after Ronny Deila's exit. Atlanta dismissed the 50-year-old on Oct. 19 following his guidance of the team to a 14th-place Eastern Conference standing in his inaugural campaign.

Multiple candidates have been connected to the open role, including Portland Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese, but the position is allegedly heading to a recognizable figure. Per ESPN, Atlanta are approaching a reunion with Martino, who guided the team to an MLS Cup victory in 2018.

The report was initially published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Doug Roberson.

Martino has remained unemployed since departing Inter Miami following last season's conclusion. The Argentine mentioned "personal reasons" as the key factor behind his unexpected exit after the Herons experienced a surprising Round One elimination to Atlanta in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Before the postseason letdown, Martino guided Inter Miami to a historic regular season that concluded with Lionel Messi claiming the Supporters' Shield.

In addition to his MLS achievements, Martino has held coaching positions with the Mexico national squad, the Argentina national squad, Barcelona and the Paraguay national squad.

Atlanta in Desperate Need of a Bounce Back Season

Merely twelve months after knocking out what was arguably the strongest regular-season squad in MLS history during the MLS Cup playoffs, the Five Stripes concluded 29th out of 30 teams in Major League Soccer.

With Deila at the helm, Atlanta recorded 6-18-13 in all competitions. When the final whistle blew on Decision Day, the Eastern Conference club had accumulated only 28 points.

Indeed, the Five Stripes were unable to secure a win in any match during September and October, concluding their 2025 campaign with a six-game winless run.

"In the end, we owe our supporters a significantly improved on-field performance and it is our steadfast dedication to deliver that to this community at the earliest opportunity," Atlanta United CEO and President Garth Lagerwey stated after the disappointing campaign.

The rumored comeback of a coach with Martino's credentials could be precisely what Atlanta requires. After all, he has already demonstrated his ability to guide the Five Stripes to MLS championship success.