Tata Martino reportedly turns down USMNT job

Atlanta United manager Gerardo “Tata” Martino has reportedly turned down interest by the US Soccer Federation in making the Argentine the next manager of the United States Men’s National Team, according to César Luis Merlo of Argentinian outlet TyC Sports.

It’s unclear in the report whether a formal approach was made by USSF, or if they decided not to pursue interest in Martino based off his comments to media members in recent weeks when questioned on the matter.

Following Atlanta United’s regular season finale against Toronto FC, Martino told media members during the Spanish-language portion of his press conference that he did not have interest in jobs outside of Atlanta United.

"I have a contract with Atlanta United that goes through next year, and prob-, possibly through two years after that with a mutual option,” Tata Martino told the Spanish media.

"I’m not only committed to Atlanta United but also committed to the players who I convinced this was a going to be good and interesting project." (credit to Eric Quintana for translating)

Martino’s name has been at the fore of many international federations following disappointing/failed World Cup qualifying campaigns — Chile being the most notable among them. The Argentine has plenty of experience, having navigated his way through World Cup qualifying with Argentina and Paraguay and managed the two nations in the in the last two World Cups (Argentina in 2014 and Paraguay in 2010).

From an Atlanta standpoint, while the veracity of this reported approach by the United States is questionable, it’s comforting that he seems committed to the club. Martino has spoken previously about how he enjoys the lack of external forces affecting the project in Atlanta, allowing him to focus solely on team-building and youth development.