Tata Martino Assembles Experienced Technical Staff for Atlanta United’s 2026 Campaign
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Atlanta United has announced a robust technical staff too support Head Coach Tata Martino as the club prepares for the 2026 season. The team will be bolstered by a group of seasoned professionals, many with extensive histories alongside Martino, signaling a commitment to continuity and expertise.
Atlanta united’s proclamation underscores the club’s ambition to build a competitive squad. The assembled staff brings a wealth of experience from across international and club football, promising a well-rounded approach to player development and match strategy.
Key Appointments: A Blend of Familiar Faces and New Expertise
Martino will be supported by assistant coaches jorge Theiler, Gerardo Martino Jr.,and Rodrigo Ríos. Fitness will be overseen by Manuel Alfaro and Rodolfo Paladini, while Damian Silvero will led video analysis. Completing the team is goalkeeper coach Elliot Parish.
Jorge Theiler brings a long-standing relationship with Martino, having served as an assistant at multiple clubs including Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys, Atlanta United during a previous tenure, the Mexican National Team, and Inter Miami CF. His background also includes significant youth development work with Newell’s Old Boys, River Plate, and the Argentine Football Federation. Notably, Theiler and Martino were teammates at Newell’s Old Boys in the 1980s, adding a layer of personal connection to their professional partnership.
Gerardo Martino Jr. transitions to Atlanta after holding the same assistant coach role at Inter Miami CF from 2023-2024, continuing a family tradition within the sport.
Rodrigo Ríos returns to Atlanta United after a accomplished stint coaching within the club’s Academy from 2016-2020, where he guided the U-19s and collaborated with Martino’s first Team staff. Ríos has since gained experience as an assistant coach with Austin FC (2021-2024) and FC Dallas (2025). A former professional player with Universidad Católica and the Chilean national youth teams, Ríos concluded his playing career with the Atlanta Silverbacks, later serving as their Director of soccer. He was recognized as Georgia’s “Coach of the Year” in 2013 and holds USSF A and B coaching licenses.
Continuity in Fitness and Analysis
The continuity extends to the fitness and analytical departments. Manuel Alfaro has consistently been a part of Martino’s staff, contributing to the physical preparation of teams including the Paraguayan National team, FC Barcelona, the Argentine National Team, and Inter Miami CF. He also has experience with the Peruvian National team and various South American clubs. Rodolfo Paladini has worked alongside Martino as 2016, initially joining him at Atlanta united and previously collaborating at Newell’s old Boys. He has also served as a fitness coach for the Venezuelan National Team and clubs like Caracas FC and Zamora FC.
Damian Silvero will provide crucial video analysis, having supported Martino in this capacity as 2014, including stints with Newell’s Old Boys (2009-2013) and the Argentine national team.
Goalkeeping Stability with Elliot Parish
Elliot Parish will continue as the First Team goalkeeper coach, having joined the club as part of Ronny Deila’s staff in 2025. Prior to Atlanta, Parish served as a goalkeeping coach with Al Wahda FC and St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, where he also concluded his playing career in 2023. The former player boasts 178 professional appearances across clubs in England and Scotland, and represented England at the U-20 level.
This comprehensive staff selection signals Atlanta United’s intent to build a strong foundation for success under Tata Martino, leveraging both established relationships and fresh perspectives. The blend of international experience and local knowledge positions the club well as it looks toward the 2026 season and beyond.
