The Blaugrana have moved swiftly to replace Tito Vilanova following his
exit on health grounds by naming the Argentine as his replacement for
the next two seasons
Barcelona have confirmed they have appointed Gerardo Martino as the club's new head coach on a two-year deal. The
Camp Nou side were rocked by the departure of Tito Vilanova last week
after he resigned from his position as a result of his need to undergo
further treatment in his recovery from a cancer relapse. A number
of names, including Celta Vigo boss Luis Enrique, had since been linked
with the vacant post, but the former Newell's Old Boys coach emerged
the stand-out candidate after he was given vocal backing from Lionel Messi. "Barcelona
have reached an agreement to sign Gerardo Martino as the new first team
coach for the next two seasons," a Barca statement reads. "The
agreement is still pending the drafting and signing of his contract. The
schedule for his trip to Barcelona, signature of his contract and
official presentation will be announced in the next few hours." Martino,
50, has never coached in Europe, but was named South American Coach of
the Year in 2007 for his work with the Paraguay national team, before
winning the league title with Newell's last season and reaching the
semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores. 'Tata' Martino becomes the
fourth Argentine coach in Barcelona's history after Roque Olsen, Helenio
Herrera and Cesar Luis Menotti.
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