Atlanta’s coach grateful to fans ahead of final match

ATLANTA — Tata Martino’s love affair with Atlanta’s soccer fans didn’t have to last long to have meaning.

On Thursday, Atlanta United’s coach expressed his appreciation for the fans’ record-breaking support as his team prepared for Saturday’s MLS Cup final against the Portland Timbers.

“First I just want to say thank you to Atlanta for letting me participate from the very beginning in the birth of this new club,” Martino said through a translator.

Martino’s leadership played a lead role in Atlanta’s meteoric rise as a MLS power. Led by Portland Timbers at Atlanta United When: 8 p.m. Saturday TV: Fox (Ch. 28)

MLS MVP Josef Martinez , Atlanta United is trying to win the MLS title in only its second season as an expansion franchise.

Along the way, Atlanta has set MLS attendance records for a single game and season. Another record is expected Saturday when a crowd of more than 70,000 is expected to pack Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta United set a single-game attendance record of 72,243 against Seattle on July 15.

Martino was voted MLS coach of the year after announcing this would be his final season. Saturday will be his farewell to Atlanta fans, leaving behind a legacy that will be difficult for his successor to match. The former Barcelona and Argentina national coach reportedly is headed to Mexico’s national team.

Veteran midfielder Jeff Larentowicz said Martino has been the foundation of the new franchise.

“He’s the leader, he’s the pillar in the middle,” Larentowicz said Thursday.

“His message from Day 1 has been the same. When he speaks, we listen. That’s really it. Without getting too technical, he’s the boss. What he says goes, and we’ve all bought in.”