Gerardo Martino declined Friday to discuss numerous reports that he has agreed to become manager of Mexico when Atlanta United’s season ends.
“Nothing to say,” Martino said. “I don’t have to clarify things that I haven’t said. This is always the same thing. Whenever there is some news, we will be sure to tell you. Until then, nothing has changed since the last time we spoke.”
Pressed to clarify if he was saying the reports aren’t true, or simply declining to address them, Martino said, “As I’ve said, when there’s any kind of news to clarify I will let you guys know. I haven’t talked to Darren (Eales, club president) this week. I haven’t had a chance. We are focusing on Chicago. The most important thing is these two remaining games and whatever is left in the season.”
Martino’s answers on Friday are similar to ones he gave three weeks ago when he said it’s not his responsibility to clarify reports that he isn’t quoted in.
» More: Atlanta United players focused despite rumors
Mexico has been looking for a manager since Juan Carlos Osorio resigned after leading El Tri for the past three years. Osorio led the team to a first-place finish in World Cup qualifying, and to the final 16 in the World Cup in Russia. Osorio later accepted the job as Paraguay’s manager, where the player pool includes Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron and Hector Villalba.
Martino previously managed the national teams of Paraguay from 2007-11, and his native Argentina from 2014-16. Among the numerous clubs he has managed are Barcelona and Newell’s Old Boys.
While Martino has experienced success most everywhere he’s managed, he has never stayed anywhere long. Almost four years at Paraguay was his longest tenure, followed by the stints at Argentina, which he led to two finals in the Copa America, and Atlanta United.
He was introduced as manager of the Five Stripes on Sept. 27, 2016.
With a bevy of young South American players as well as a group of U.S. veterans, Martino led the team to the playoffs in its first season, playing an attractive brand of soccer that helped the franchise lead the league in attendance.
Many of those South American players, including Almiron, Josef Martinez, Ezequiel Barco and Franco Escobar, have cited Martino as one of the reasons they signed with Atlanta United.
Atlanta United has experienced more success this season. It leads New York Red Bulls by one point in the race for the Supporters’ Shield with two games remaining. Atlanta United will host Chicago on Sunday.
Atlanta United has secured a bye into the second round of the playoffs, which will begin Nov. 4, with the second game scheduled for Nov. 11. The conference finals are Nov. 25 and 29, and the MLS Cup is Dec. 8.
Even as rumors swirled that Martino was a candidate for jobs leading Mexico and Argentina, he has remained steadfastly defiant during the past few weeks, saying that he has never conversed with anyone representing either federation, and that he was only discussing options with Atlanta United.
Each side holds a two-year option on his contract. That option was supposed to be exercised by Oct. 8. That deadline passed with Martino saying because both sides were in talks he wasn’t worried.
Martino has said that he has no agent, but it has been reported that his daughter, an attorney, was representing him in discussions with Mexico. Martino confirmed Friday that his daughter does handle his contracts, including the one he signed with Atlanta United.
Earlier this week more reports stated that Martino had agreed to a deal in principle with Mexico, but couldn’t sign until the MLS season concluded. Atlanta United Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra told a local radio station that everything regarding Martino and Mexico shouldn’t be believed. A request for clarification on that comment by Bocanegra wasn’t answered by the team.
Should Martino leave for Mexico, it would be surprising because one of the reasons he wanted to come to MLS and Atlanta United was the lack of scrutiny. He has repeatedly said that he simply wanted to focus on coaching. Managing Mexico can be as much about dealing with the media and off-the-field obligations as it can be about working toward success on the field. Within the sport, leading Mexico is one of the most scrutinized managerial positions for club or country in the world.
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