Tata Martino named Mexico national team manager

The long-rumored next destination for Tata Martino has finally been officially announced. The first-ever Atlanta United manager has been given the reins of the Mexico national team after months of rumors and speculation.

Martino leaves Atlanta on the highest notes, bringing the club an MLS Cup trophy in only its second year of competitive existence. The decision, which was officially announced in late October just as the regular season was coming to an end, he says, was due to the daily rigors of club soccer and the inability to spend more time with his family.

Tata becomes the new manager of El Tri as they look to exorcise their World Cup fifth game demons. In seven straight tournaments, dating back to 1994, Mexico have crashed out of the world’s most prestigious sporting event at the Round of 16 stage. Is Tata the man to finally get them to that elusive fifth game?

Part of the reason he came to MLS in the first place was the low stress environment he could enjoy after coming off two extremely high profile gigs with Argentina and Barcelona. After two years of a relatively low pressure situation, he’ll join Mexico, a country who is as passionate about their soccer and national team as any. The pressure from the fans and media will be turned back up to 11.

We wish Tata nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors (except when he’s playing the USMNT). We’ll always remember and cherish his contributions to Atlanta United.