Tensions between Josef Martinez and Gabriel Heinze have evidently escalated over the recent weeks. The eventual result was Martinez being frozen out of training for a week and missing out on the 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution on July 17th. Rumors had been coming out that Martinez had told the front office of Atlanta that the 2021 season would be his final season with the club. The fans immediately voiced their displeasure which led to multiple chants and signs supporting the Venezuelan striker. Almost immediately after the match Heinze and Martinez had a talk which resulted in Martinez returning to first team training. Atlanta has a match at FC Cincinnati on July 21st. Heinze said that he wanted to see how fit Martinez was in training and then he would make a decision on whether Martinez starts or is on the bench. FC Cincinnati has been one of the worst teams in MLS during their last two seasons. They have improved this season with the signing Brazilian wonderkid Brenner from Sao Paulo. The five stripes will head to TQL stadium looking hungry for three points, and even if they do fall behind Cincinnati has a reputation for blowing leads so they must keep attacking no matter how many goals they are down by. Only time will tell whether or not the Venezuelan Viper can save Atlanta United.
soccercray.com 