The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ATLANTA UNITED MARTINO DENIES BEING APPROACHED FOR VACANCIES
Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino on Thurs- day said no national feder- ations have reached out to him regarding their managerial vacancies.
His denial refutes numerous reports in past weeks tying him to openings for the U.S., Mexico, Colom- bia and Argentina, which he managed in 2014-16.
Repeating what he said two weeks ago, Martino said conversations are ongoing with Atlanta United about triggering the two-year option on his contract. The date to do that is Oct. 1. His cur- rent contract expires after the season.
Martino said there are things that he wants in a new contract, but didn’t want to share details. He said he doesn’t want control of player-personnel. “Not my case,” he said. Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst and goal- keeper Brad Guzan said the rumors and reports aren’t affecting the players.
“We are aware of the situation,” Parkhurst said. “Day to day, it doesn’t affect us. It doesn’t affect anything for this year.”
Guzan said the interest in Martino is a reflection of Atlanta United’s success. It became the first MLS expansion team since Seattle in 2009 to make it to the playoffs last season. The team has already clinched a spot in this year’s playoffs and is challenging for the Supporters’ Shield. Atlanta United will play Colorado on Saturday.
“It’s part of being a part of a successful team and organization,” Guzan said. “People are always going to be talking, albeit about managers, playing going in, players going out.
Parkhurst said he hopes that Martino returns.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here under him,” he said. “I would be happy with that.”