Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who guided Atlanta United to the MLS Cup title in 2018, has signed a two-year contract through 2027 to return as head coach, the team announced on Thursday.

The 62-year-old Argentine coach replaces Ronny Deila, who was dropped after Atlanta won only five matches and finished 14th of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference this past season.

Martino coached Atlanta when they joined MLS as an expansion team in 2017 and directed the squad to the league crown only a season later.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tata back to Atlanta United," team owner Arthur M. Blank said. "Tata is an exceptional manager who set the standard for excellence within our club and helped establish our identity in MLS.

"Since then, he has continued to achieve success on the global stage.

"There's

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