Tata Martino updates preseason, mum on Atlanta United’s third designated player slot

Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino had a chance to speak with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Doug Roberson this afternoon in the midst of the team’s ongoing training at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Among the topics: his tactical preferences, comments on the most recent acquisitions (including Brad Guzan), and thoughts on the team’s two homegrown players.

Martino mentioned during the interview that he prefers to run a 4-3-3 system. That’s not anything new and has been consistent with the system he’s run at past managing, including FC Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, and Argentina’s national team. But he also said that he wasn’t opposed to running a 4-2-3-1 as well, depending on a four-man backfield and an attacking midfielder playing forward. We dug into that style a little bit in December, and while it’s still a 4-3-3 per se, it still takes that 4-2-3-1 form.

It looks like Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin will see a little time with the first tem this year as well, as Martino said that the duo has “great potential”. While they may not start on day one, Carleton’s loan spell at Charleston and both players’ international experience with the U-17 national team - along with some seasoning on the training ground - should get some ready to get eased in as substitutes during the course of the year.

One thing that Martino didn’t show his hand on was the possible addition of a third designated player.

On the preferred position for the final DP. Before I give his answer, I need to point out these were the only words in English he spoke, which made his answer that much more funny: No comment.

That was pretty funny, to be honest, and it looks like Tata has that part of the gig down. Rumors have connected Torino forward and Venezuelan national Josef Martinez to AUFC (who would require a DP slot if he were to sign) but nothing has been finalized either way as talks are still in the early stages.