Inter Miami won the Supporters’ Shield title last year under Tata Martino, with the Argentine manager leaving at the end of the season.
The former FC Barcelona coach was brought in alongside Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023 as Martino looked like to dream managerial hire for Inter Miami given his experience with the Argentine legend and working in MLS.
Despite Kieran Gibbs lauding Martino as ‘remarkable’ for the work the former Atlanta United coach did at Inter Miami in his 18 months with the Florida franchise, the 62-year-old coach made the decision to leave the Herons, with Javier Mascherano now in charge heading into the new season.
Yet just over a month since leaving Inter Miami, Martino could already be back in management with one of the biggest clubs in Brazil.
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Tata Martino shortlisted for Botofogo managerial role
According to Globo, Martino is one of three candidates being considered by Botofogo to take over as head coach, with the former Inter Miami figure facing off against former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez and the up-and-coming Portuguese manager Vasco Matos.
As per the report, Botafogo are in the final stages of deciding who will be the new coach, with Martino potentially the ideal candidate for the role given his experience in working in South American soccer and coming off the back of a fine job at Inter Miami.
Indeed, Oscar Ustari revealed that Martino played a role in the veteran Argentine goalkeeper moving to Inter Miami last year, with Bradley Wright-Phillips also praising the former Herons manager for his work at the club since joining in 2018.
With a big opportunity to return to management now on the table for Martino, the former Inter Miami coach could be back in the game already with Botofogo, a club that could be perfect for the former Mexico manager heading into 2025.
Why did Tata Martino leave Inter Miami last year?
Martino’s departure from Inter Miami caught a lot of supporters by surprise, with the Argentine manager specifically brought in to oversee the Messi project at the club and to guide the Herons to an exciting future with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner at the helm.
Yet Martino stepping down as Inter Miami manager was seemingly done due to personal reasons, with the former Barcelona head coach saying during his exit press conference: “It has been an honour to work at such a special club, and to lead such a special team.
“I’ve enjoyed my stay at Inter Miami and will treasure the memories made and relationships forged here for the rest of my life. I depart with nothing but gratitude for my time here and would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone that made it possible.”