On Monday morning, Atlanta United confirmed a rumor that has been swirling around the club for a few months: Tata Martino will be departing the club after the season.
With the announcement, the Atlanta said they'd immediately begin a global search for his replacement, but they may already have their first choice head coach in the crosshairs as the club are reportedly in negotiations with Boca Juniors manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto, according to AS Argentina and Ole.
Barros Schelotto, 45, had been rumored for the LA Galaxy vacancy last week. He played most of the final years of his playing career in Columbus, where he scored 33 goals in 102 regular season appearances and helped Crew SC to the 2008 MLS Cup title. He began his managerial career at Lanus, and took charge at Boca in March of 2016, where he has helped the storied club to consecutive Argentine Super Liga titles.
Martino, 55, is heavily rumored to become Mexico's next manager, though Atlanta did not confirm his next job, just that he won't be returning after the season.
“This was not an easy decision to make, I have enjoyed my time with Atlanta United very much and am proud of what we have accomplished together in such a short time,” said Martino said in a media release. “The decision was not made for financial reasons, negotiations with the front office were transparent and fair. It was simply the right move for me and my family at this time. The opportunity to build a team from the start does not come along often, and I am grateful to the club and to the fans for putting their trust in me to establish a solid foundation here in Atlanta. What is most important now is that the focus remain on our goals for this season.”
On Sunday, Martino and Atlanta will resume their chase of history with Martino's future publicly determined. They travel to Toronto FC on Decision Day presented by AT&T (4:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info), needing a win to seal both the Supporters' Shield as well as a new league record for points in a season.
