Because Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino was ejected from last week’s 4-1 win over Houston, assistant Jorge Theiler will manage the team from the sidelines in Sunday’s game against NYCFC at Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium.
The last contact Martino will have with the team will be the final technical discussion at the training complex in Marietta before the team buses to the game.
Martino said he will watch the game from wherever he is taken once he arrives at the stadium. He watched the remainder of the second half of last week’s game from a suite.
Among his experiences, Theiler has worked with Martino previously at Newell’s Old Boys, Almirante, Platenese and Cordoba. The assistants aren’t allowed to be interviewed.
Martino was ejected after kicking the ball in the second half. In an attempt to stop play because Hector Villalba was apparently injured, and had been for several seconds with the referee not stopping play, Houston goalkeeper Joe Willis kicked the ball toward Atlanta United’s technical box where Martino was standing. He responded by kicking the ball, a high looping boot that sailed toward midfield.
Martino joked yesterday that he wasn’t mad that he was ejected for kicking the ball, he’s mad because he didn’t hit it well. Asked if he would have subbed himself out following that poor kick, he said yes.
Atlanta United’s players said they don’t think not having Martino on the sideline will affect the team on Sunday.
“The preparation will be the same,” fullback Tyrone Mears said. “He’s done everything this week. We will continue up until Sunday. He’s got the staff members that can take control and help us through the game.”
