UPDATE (Wednesday, 1:30 pm ET)
In an interview with Colombian Radio on Tuesday night, Atlanta United coach Tata Martino denied that he has spoken with either the Argentine or Colombian federation regarding the possibility of managing the nations' respective national teams.
Speaking to Colombia's Carocol Radio, Martino said such discussions have not happened, though he also acknowledged the appeal of returning to an international managerial role.
“I have not talked to anyone from Argentina,” he said.
He added the Colombian job "is attractive" as a possibility. Martino previously managed Paraguay from 2007 to 2011 and Argentina from 2014 to 2016.
“I like it a lot because it is a potential possibility to come to Colombia," Martino said. "But I am under contract here and when the league finishes, we’ll see what the future holds.”
With the MLS regular season drawing to a close, Martino said he wants to make a decision whether to remain with Atlanta prior to the playoffs beginning.
“I have to resolve my future," he told Carocol Radio. "In the next 15 or 20 days, I have to determine whether I continue here for two more years or not."
This article was originally published on Tuesday afternoon at 2 pm ET.
Could Tata Martino be in line for a return to the Argentinian national team? According to a report out of Argentina, negotiations have already started with the Atlanta United manager.
According to Fox Sports Argentina’s Emiliano Pinson, talks are already underway between the Argentina Football Association and Martino, whose Atlanta contact expires at the end of the season, and the sides are “on the right track.”
Reportedly, one of Martino’s conditions would to have autonomy in call-ups and have direct communication with AFA boss Claudio Tapia.
Martino coached La Albiceleste from 2014 to 2016, stepping down after Argentina’s penalty-kick shootout loss to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final. A little less than three months later, Martino was named Atlanta’s first manager.
In a short period of time, the 55-year-old Argentine native has built the Five Stripes into an MLS Cup contender. Atlanta are currently one point behind the New York Red Bulls in the Supporters’ Shield standings with one game in hand.
