Tata Martino resigned as Inter Miami manager shortly after the Herons’ play-off exit last year, with the Argentine now linked with a move to Botafogo.
The Brazilian giants are on the hunt for a new manager with Martino one of three names Botafogo are considering to take up the position ahead of a big year for the South American side, who like Inter Miami will take part in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
With Martino stepping down as Inter Miami manager due to personal reasons, a return to coaching so soon after leaving Florida might come as a surprise to supporters of the Chase Stadium side given how dramatic the former FC Barcelona man’s time with the Herons was.
Indeed, Martino was clear that he wanted some time away from coaching having left Inter Miami, and the Argentine has now confirmed whether or not he will be taking up the head coaching role at Botafogo.
READ MORE: Former Inter Miami manager Tata Martino opens up on Diego Gomez departure
Martino says he is not considering Botafogo after Inter Miami exit
Speaking to Monumental AM 1080, the former Atlanta United manager confirmed that he is not thinking about the possibility of returning to work just yet, with Martino all-but ruling himself out of the running to join Botafogo so soon after leaving Inter Miami.
Having coached at the highest level since 1998 with next-to-no-breaks, Martino has more than earned this break in soccer, with Inter Miami seemingly the last straw for the Argentine in a two-decade career at the top.
Martino said when asked about this week’s rumors surrounding a move to Botafogo: “There is no possibility of working in the short term. I have not thought about working now. When I left Inter Miami, I decided to take some time off.
“I’m not unaware of the importance of Botafogo, they’re champions of America and Brasileirao, they’re going to take part in the Club World Cup, they’re undoubtedly a very attractive club.”
How successful was Martino really for Inter Miami?
Martino was brought in alongside Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023, with Inter Miami appointing the former Argentina and Paraguay manager to lead the project with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and to lay the foundations to build a legacy in MLS.
| Games managed | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % | |
| Tata Martino at Inter Miami | 67 | 35 | 16 | 16 | 52% |
As well as registering a win percentage of over 50%, Martino led Inter Miami to their first pieces of official silverware with the Leagues Cup in 2023 shortly after his appointment followed by the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.
Whether or not new Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano will do better than Martino is up for debate, yet the young Argentine coach has a lot to live up to now sitting in the hot seat heading into the new season.