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Gerardo “Tata” Martino has stepped down as head coach of Inter Miami CF, sources informed ESPN, citing personal reasons for his departure despite having one year left on his contract.
The former Barcelona and Mexico coach addressed the media in a final news conference on Friday, Nov. 22, alongside co-owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations Raúl Sanllehi.
Martino is set to depart just weeks after Lionel Messi and Inter Miami were eliminated from the first round of the MLS playoffs after falling to No. 9 seed Atlanta United FC in the best-of-three series.
The Argentine coach joined Inter Miami in June of 2023, taking over for former manager Phil Neville. In just over a year and a half, he led Miami to the 2023 Leagues Cup trophy, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set the league record for most points recorded in a single season during the 2024 campaign.
Despite seeing success during the regular season, Inter Miami struggled in the Concacaf Champions Cup, losing to Monterrey in the quarterfinals, and exited the 2024 Leagues Cup in the round of 16.
His hiring was one in a series of major moves for the club — along with the signings of, among others, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
“I want to say to our coach, Tata: thank you very much for an incredible season,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said to Martino in the on-field ceremony after the regular season ended and the Supporters Shield — which was previously clinched — was hoisted again. “Thank you to your staff … gracias.”
Source: myghanadaily
