Outgoing Atlanta United manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino will not discuss his next role while under contract with the MLS club, despite Don Garber seeming to congratulate the Mexican federation on "a very aggressive move" to appoint him as national team boss.
In a clip tweeted by Goal's Ives Galarcep, MLS commissioner Garber appeared to inadvertently confirm Martino's hire with El Tri at a Soccerex event in Miami on Thursday. A day later, Martino refused to discuss the strong rumors that he is set to assume the Mexico post.
"I have nothing new to say about that," the former Barcelona handler said, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. "I did see what Don Garber said yesterday. I'm still contractually linked to Atlanta United."
Atlanta revealed Martino's imminent exit from the club on Oct. 23 following months of links to international gigs with Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. The 55-year-old is overseeing Atlanta's postseason push before leaving, with the club's next assignment being a two-legged Eastern Conference final against the New York Red Bulls, which commences on Nov. 25.
The Argentinian gaffer has been credited for Atlanta's swift transition from MLS newcomer to established powerhouse in under two years. In that time he has harnessed the talents of young Latin Americans like Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez.
"He has brought a level of respect and credibility to our league through what he's done with Atlanta United that shows that we can be a league of choice," Garber said in Miami.
