Tata Martino asserts he's "still under contract" with Atlanta United

Tata Martino - on the sideline - vs NYCFC playoffs

Atlanta United coach Tata Martino asserted to media on Friday that he is still under contract with the MLS club, with reports earlier this week that he has agreed to a multi-year deal to take over the Mexican national team. 


Martino, according to Doug Roberson's article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, noted, "I’m still contractually linked to Atlanta United," adding that he didn't have anything to say about the El Tri rumors. 


Martino, announced as 2018 MLS Coach of the Year on Tuesday, is in his second year with Atlanta United. The club announced last month that Martino would not be returning to the Five Stripes after the 2018 season concludes, the team is still in the midst of its playoff run, preparing to host the New York Red Bulls on Nov. 25 (5 pm ET | ESPN, TSN, TVAS, ESPN Deportes) in the first leg of the Eastern Conference finals.


Martino led Atlanta to the playoffs in its inaugural 2017 season, and by virtue of securing the most aggregate points totals from their 2017 and 2018 campaigns, led the team to a berth to the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.