Doug Roberson of the AJC has done a good profile on two guys linked with us recently. Get him some clicks so he continues this coverage: http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/building-atlanta-united-pros-and-cons-of-roberto-m/nr6QY/ http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/building-atlanta-united-pros-and-cons-of-sigi-schm/nr5x4/ Who do you think should be our coach/manager? Thought we needed this thread because we have separate ones for separate names and one is moot since Kreis was hired by Orlando.
Eales has suggested they have several candidates in mind and offer packages already designed. At least one article has implied they've brought in a couple non-MLS candidates to see the city, facilities, etc. My guess is that they're favoring someone involved in the league now and waiting till his season is nearly over before making a move. I'm not as familiar with the slate of assistants in MLS and who might be the next big candidate, tho.
Look that will be the Tata Martino https://www.pasionfutbol.com/notici...a-Atlanta-United-en-la-MLS-20160915-0046.html
Gerardo Martino finalizing deal to become Atlanta United’s first manager http://www.dirtysouthsoccer.com/2016/9/16/12942072/gerardo-martino-atlanta-united-manager-rumors
ESPN story on Martino and Sigi: http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-s...-gerardo-tata-martino-and-sigi-schmid-sources
Not a bad get with regards to technical expertise and global appeal among most players. Would obviously be viewed as a connection for reaching into the South American markets. Not sure how he would feel about/do in a job built from scratch, or doing MLS in Atlanta in general. Bet he would be a great asset for building the academy, though. Pending something we don't know behind the scenes I'd take him.
It's hard to complain about this hire. I hope we at least give him time to build something and not fire him after one bad season.
Same here. My guess is as long as he doesn't lose the locker room (and nothing I've heard says he would) they'd give him time to build something.
I can't imagine "the locker room" will be an issue. If anything it will be the adjustment to the level of play and player development in MLS, combined with the particulars of Atlanta/US culture. Let's be honest - On its face this place will be quite different to everywhere else the guy has been so I hope there's enough here to keep him and his family happy. Other than that I agree, there's little cause for disagreeing with the selection. He's knowledgeable, he's lead teams to successful campaigns including runs in cup play, he knows about dealing with internationals, and he seems committed to developing the academy. From a resume standpoint I don't know that there's anyone else available that would be discernibly better and interested. Count me among those prepared to stand behind and support Mr. Martino full out!
Honestly, I don't see how this could backfire. At the absolute least he's here for a couple years and exposes Bocanegra to a few more of his South American contacts and the team gets a short-term jolt in the academy development process. If we have to struggle for a few years but they bring in solid kids and coaches to start building a bona fide program then I'm okay with that. My wish for AUFC is to see them regularly producing players who make top flight teams and contend for national team places, trusting that in time will yield competitive club teams on the field. Given how Blank and Co. have gone about their business I think it can and might just happen. They're not thinking of just getting into the league but being a serious player down the line, and this move matches that mindset. I do think as today's AJC article points out it's critical that they get 1-2 assistants with real MLS experience to help Tata. Everything from league style and scheduling to reading the nuances of the different venues and travel demands. Would not be surprised if one of those hires is done with an eye towards being Tata's successor several years down the line. Let the international expert come in and build global connections and brand awareness while the understudy learns the tricks and then assumes the helm.
This means the first time his job is under fire we can recycle all the "Save the Tatas!" merchandise, no? Does he like the color pink, you think?
Very good hire. Tata is one of those managers that players want to play for. Also, the Argentinian methodology for player development is phenomenal and Newell's Old Boys is one of the best. There is a reason why a lot of the current greatest players in the world are from the Rosario region. I expect that if this is truly a foundation building hire and they give him a good three years at a minimum then a really good system will be put into place.