Atlanta United’s Martino not worried about contract

Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino said his future with the MLS club isn’t going to distract the team from its goals this season.

Martino’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season. The contract includes a mutual option to extend the deal for multiple years.

Martino said his there is permanent communication with the club about the option on the contract. But he didn’t want to talk more about his future on Friday ahead of Sunday’s game against D.C. United. With a game in hand, Atlanta United trails New York Red Bulls by one point in the Supporters’ Shield standings.

“Red Bulls keep winning, so that’s our main goal right now,” Martino said.

Martino guided Atlanta United to the playoffs in its inaugural season last season. The team  finished second in goals scored (70) and goal difference (plus-30). This season, it leads the league in goals scored (55) and is tied for second for goal difference (plus-25).