Martino will manage Atlanta United its final regular-season game this season at Toronto. A win will result in the Five Stripes and Martino securing their first trophy since starting play in MLS in 2017. Atlanta United has clinched a spot in next year's CONCACAF Champions League. With one more point, it will break the league record for points in a season (69), set by Toronto last year.

“Everything from here on out is important,” Martino said. “It’s our first opportunity to win something here.”

» More: 6 candidates to replace Gerardo Martino in Atlanta

Martino reportedly will be named the next manager of Mexico’s national team. He declined to say Friday what was next, other than to his lead the team against Toronto. The MLS playoffs will start next week. The MLS Cup will be Dec. 8.

Martino said he has given to Eales and technical director Carlos Bocanegra recommendations for Atlanta United’s next manager. Martino wouldn’t share those names.

“After these two years, it’s not easy for a coach or for players these kind of decisions,” Martino said. “But in football nothing is permanent. You know that you are not tied to a club for your whole life. It’s just the way things go in this profession.”