Former MLS title-winning coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino was hired as coach of Inter Miami on Wednesday. Martino is the former coach of international star Lionel Messi, who is slated to join Inter Miami late next month.
Martino, 60, guided Atlanta United to the 2018 MLS Cup.
“I’m very excited to join a big club like Inter Miami and I know together we can accomplish many great things,” Martino said in a news release. “The club has the necessary infrastructure to be a major competitor in the region and I believe that with everyone’s hard work and commitment we can get there.”
Martino coached Messi at Barcelona (2013-14) and Argentina (2014-16). Speculation was heavy that Inter Miami were targeting Martino due to his strong relationship with Messi.
“We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said in a statement. “Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us.”
Martino went 36-16-16 in two regular seasons with Atlanta (2017-18). He resigned after the 2018 season, citing personal reasons. Martino spent the next four years as coach of Mexico’s national team. Martino replaces Phil Neville.
Jose handed 10-day ban
Rome: Jose Mourinho wore a microphone to “protect himself” when his AS Roma side faced Monza in May, but he could not resist a dig at the referee after the game and was handed a 10-day touchline ban on Wednesday.
Mourinho will miss his team’s Serie A season opener due to the suspension and was also given a €50,000 euros ($54,610) fine for comments made towards referee Daniele Chiffi, the Italian FA said.
Mourinho labelled Chiffi “the worst referee I have encountered in my entire career” after Roma’s 1-1 league draw against Monza.
The Portuguese had gone into the game looking to do everything he could to avoid being sanctioned by the officials.
“I’m not stupid,” Mourinho said at the time. “I went to the game with a microphone.”
Yet the former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach still ended up in hot water for his comments after the match.
Reuters
