Atlanta United’s Franco Escobar said manager Gerardo Martino made him feel special.
“I don’t know how to explain it, but when a coach like Tata tells you that he wants you in the team it gives you a sense of confidence in myself and confident to know that he trusts me,” Escobar said. “That’s really important.”
More than any Atlanta United player, Escobar may be affected the most by Martino's decision to not extend his contract with the MLS club.
Escobar came to Atlanta from Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina. It’s the same club from which Martino earned the status of a legend after making almost 500 appearances as a player and then later managing it from relegation in 2012 to the 2013 Torneo final and semifinals of the 2013 Copa Libertadores.
“Big part of my decision was to come was for him and the coaching staff,” Escobar said. “I knew about him at Newell’s. It’s an honor that he noticed me and wanted me to come play at the club. I’ll always appreciate that.”
Like Atlanta United’s other players, Escobar said on Thursday that Martino’s departure won’t affect this season’s goals, nor will it affect his future at the club.
With a win at Toronto on Sunday, Atlanta United will win its first Supporters' Shield in just its second year of playing. It has already clinched a spot in next year's CONCACAF Champions League.
Escobar said that next season, under a new manager, he will once again fight for his position and playing time.
“Even with Tata that’s the case,” Escobar said. “All my life I’ve had to fight for my spot. In soccer, you are never guaranteed playing time.”
Under Martino, Escobar has developed into an all-around fullback. Naturally a centerback, he was moved to fullback and played it with a focus almost exclusively on defense. In Martino’s systems, the fullbacks are supposed to be outlets in the attack. As the season has progressed, Escobar has grown more comfortable in attack, punctuated by his first goal in last week’s 2-1 win against Chicago.
“I’ve learned a lot of things under him this year, especially tactically,” Escobar said. “Things that maybe I knew before but now feel more confident with, especially being more involved in the attack and being very organized.”
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