As frustration continues to grow among the U.S. Men’s National Team fan base about the exclusion of Gerardo “Tata” Martino for the vacant head coaching job, the Atlanta United boss confirmed he hasn’t been contacted by U.S. Soccer.
“I can’t feel disappointed for a position that they didn’t think I was a good candidate,” Martino said on Friday.
Martino confirmed his departure from the Five Stripes at the end of the season on Monday, and the popular thought is that he’ll be the next manager of Mexico.
Reportedly taking over for the USMNT’s top rival in Concacaf hasn’t gone down well among American fans who get more critical by the day as general manager Earnie Stewart waits to fill the coaching role with a permanent hire.
Columbus Crew manager Gregg Berhalter is the top name linked with the USMNT vacancy, but because Stewart didn’t hire him immediately when he took the general manager post in the summer, U.S. Soccer’s opened itself up for loads of criticism, including the tidbit that the program preferred an English-speaking head coach, which would’ve knocked Martino out of the running before he was even in contention for the position.
Martino’s Atlanta United can break the single-season MLS points record on Sunday with a win against Toronto FC, a win that would give Atlanta United the Supporters’ Shield and top seed in the playoffs.
Martino has already helped the Five Stripes secure a spot in the 2019 Concacaf Champions League.
I guess we are going to find out what we missed soon enough ? …….good ✔ or bad ✖
Yawn. The Tata angle has been talked to death.
************************
Regardless of how it plays out,I hope that is once the process is completed, and a new coach is in place, that there is some disclosure and discussion with regard to the hiring process. Lack of transparency as relates to important decisions (particularly hiring) was a major complaint about the prior regime/structure. I’m ok with the interviews/negotations being conducted discreetly, but it isn’t a free pass. I think we all want to see that a proper process was conceived and followed, even if we don’t all agree on the solution. More specifically, I want to see evidence that (1) a clear and specific set of criteria was developed (2) a broad pool of candidates that met the criteria was identified (3) a shortlist of at least 5+ candidates was identified, and each interviewed at length and (4) A clear justification of the hire is made and documented. This is standard “best practice” for any meaningful hire…. let’s see it. Everyone wins.
Too bad that our USSF is a bunch of idiots.
How long ago was it that they fired JK and… what exactly has been done since???????? They brought in an uninspired retread from a generation ago…. missed the WC in one of the easier regions in the world and then……. done absolutely NOTHING in response to what can only be considered one of the greatest failures the federation has ever seen. If the response to THAT is indifferent, limp d*&^ed inaction, where is a fan to conjure up the belief that anyone in this organization is accountable, capable or gives a shiite? UnnnnFingBelievable.
Wow. Can’t say I’m surprised. Such limited vision by the USSF. There is a gaping void of leadership in our federation. Just as our MLS and USL are starting to form a true soccer pyramid, the idiots in charge of USSF can’t do anything to push the national team forward. Between the mess of the last year and half, the outrageous prices for tickets, and the low turnout for our friendlies, it will be surprising if many USMNT fans are left. I remember going to Columbus several years ago for US v Mex WCQ and almost having tears in my eyes seeing that we actually had more fans there than Mexico. Now I doubt if we will ever see that again, our team having an actual homefield advantage. Oh well, we still have the US Womens team at least. They play better soccer anyway.
Is Marco van Basten a candidate? He quit FIFA technical role few days ago.
What the heck have they been doing for the past year if Martino wasn’t even considered a candidate ?!?
The English language requirement was always going to be an issue. I’m not surprised that he was never even considered for the role. They need to drop the requirement. It makes no sense and many coaches take charge of national teams and clubs without speaking the native language of that country.
To not even consider the top manager in the MLS, one who has taken a small nation, Paraguay, to the quarters of the World Cup, is just plain stupidity. I believe this to be a bigger mistake than bringing in Arena after Klinsmann was fired. At least there was justification for that.
Whats ironic is it just so happens the same manager you just diminished is also the only manager to ever take a US team to the quarterfinal of a World Cup
Who cares? Maybe he didn’t fit the profile of what Stewart was looking for. If Ernie knew that his short list was Berhalter, Vermes, Pereja, and Marsch, why would he waste his or anyone else’s time?
Anyone surprised by this news?
Oh, let’s temper our frustration. US Soccer DID contact an 18-year old Dutch defender in lieu of Martino…..