Atlanta United

Will Atlanta United sign a player before transfer window closes?

September 13, 2017 Atlanta: In this file photo Atlanta United coach Gerardo 'Tata 'Martino watches his team fromthe bench with his coaching staff.
September 13, 2017 Atlanta: In this file photo Atlanta United coach Gerardo 'Tata 'Martino watches his team fromthe bench with his coaching staff.
April 18, 2018

Atlanta United manager Gerardo Martino expressed neutrality when asked if he was hopeful the team will sign a replacement for Carlos Carmona before the transfer window closes on May 1.

“Maybe yes, maybe no,” he said on Wednesday following his team’s training session for Saturday’s game at L.A. Galaxy.

Martino said he’s not sure what happened with reported negotiations with Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia, who flew to Atlanta and did attend Atlanta United’s game against LAFC. Martino said it’s important to remember roles within the team and that it’s his job  to manage the players. Martino did say he had a brief discussion with Mbia, 31.

Carmona was sold to Colo-Colo in his native Chile on Jan. 30. Carmona and Jeff Larentowicz formed a solid partnership at defensive midfielder last season for the Five Stripes, which became the first MLS expansion team since Seattle in 2009 to make the playoffs.

After using that same 4-3-3 formation in the season-opening loss at Houston, Martino switched to a 3-5-2 that uses one defensive midfielder, Larentowicz, in the next five games. Atlanta United is unbeaten with four wins in that stretch.

About the Author

Doug Roberson covers the Atlanta United and Major League Soccer.

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