Atlanta United midfielder Pity Martinez is scheduled to speak to journalists in Atlanta on Friday for the first time since May 12.
There is going to be a lot to talk about after he was quoted by Fox Sports Radio in Argentina as saying that he doesn’t agree with things said about him by manager Frank de Boer:
And that if were up to him he would be back at his previous club, River Plate, but later added there’s no possibility of that:
But Martinez also said that he wants to stay in the U.S. for a long time:
It should be pointed out that the context of the full quotes and when the interview took place aren’t noted on the tweets, which were posted Thursday evening.
De Boer has been equally critical and complimentary of Martinez, who has just two goals and four assists in league play this season after an MLS record transfer fee from River Plate was completed in January.
After a home win against Montreal almost two weeks ago, de Boer said he subbed off Martinez because he was making dangerous decisions. De Boer also said that he has full confidence in Martinez and knows that he wants to and can improve.
After a draw with Red Bulls last week, de Boer against subbed off Martinez because he said wasn't working hard enough to win duels. Later in the week, de Boer again expressed his confidence in Martinez after a report from Argentina said that Atlanta United was going to loan him back to River Plate.
Martinez scored the deciding goal in Wednesday's win 2-0 win against St. Louis in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup. De Boer again expressed his confidence in Martinez, saying, "I think he played a really good game. I was really happy of course for him. He knows he wants to see his level going up. Today he did a good step for that."
Martinez has consistently declined to speak after games. His last interview came after his first goal of the season against Orlando.
Before that, he spoke on May 10. His message then: "I train and I play every day to try and get better. You guys have to remain calm. Maybe what you guys are expecting of me isn't the player that I think of myself. But it's very early in the season. I'm working to be the player I want to be."
About the Author
