Josef key if Atlanta to revive

Josef key

if Atlanta

to revive

Venezuela international Josef Martinez has done some frank talking over the last days - not only in front of media microphones, but also with his Atlanta United teammates as the club continued its slump by losing 3-0 at home to Austin.

It was a major blow for the 2018 MLS champions despite massive support. They had 71,000 fans for their match over the weekend, but were given a hiding.

“We all make mistakes and we are professionals. We’re not kids anymore. And if you come here you have to know what you have to do. And if you don’t come here for 100 percent, probably you don’t have to choose to play at this club.”

Martinez is the key player for the club and the one best placed to help them back into form.

Next up is Salt Lake at home followed by another home game against Orlando City and both matches will give the chance to see whether Martinez’s comments have had the desired impact.

Martinez, 29, has been at Atlanta since 2017 and was the determining factor when they won the league with 35 goals in 38 games. He has five from 11 starts this campaign and if Atlanta are to return to winning ways, he will need to galvanise the team quickly if they are to qualify for the playoffs.