Argentina FA reportedly in talks to bring Tata Martino back as manager

Atlanta United’s manager situation for 2019 and beyond is very much up in the air currently. If reports are to be believed, Tata Martino is in negotiations with the Argentina FA to once again become their national team manager.

FOX Sports Argentina claims that talks between the two parties are “on the right track” and that Tata’s requirements for taking the job for a second time would include the freedom to call up players that he wants and that he have direct communication with AFA president Claudio Tapia.

The 55-year-old Rosario, Argentina native took over the national team once before in 2014 only to resign after the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

Martino’s initial contract with Atlanta United is set to expire at season’s end but does include a mutual option to continue on if both the club and manager agree.

Argentina are currently without a manager after a disastrous World Cup that saw them barely squeak out of the group stage and eventually bow out in the Quarterfinals to France. Jorge Sampaoli’s time with the national team ended with team in-fighting and talks of players rebelling, leaving the prestigious outfit looking for a new leader.

Martino’s time with Atlanta United has been a roaring success so far, leading the expansion club to two playoff berths in two years and has the club competing for the Supporters’ Shield.

While it seems unthinkable that Martino’s time in Atlanta could already be coming to an end, the realities of world soccer are that success leads to opportunities. Could this season be the swansong for Tata? Only time will tell.