© EuroFootball.com
Argentinian Gerardo "Tata" Martino officially became the head coach of Barcelona.
On Friday, the 50-year-old specialist signed a two-season contract with the Catalan club and was introduced to the media at a press conference on the same day.
The press conference was attended by Barcelona vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta. The latter once again denied earlier versions in the media that Lionel Messi allegedly influenced the appointment of the coach. "Tata" Martino also noted that the only thing connecting him to the famous compatriot is the city of Rosario, where they were both born.
As A. Zubizarreta stated, when it became clear that Tito Vilanova could no longer coach the team, Barcelona began to look for a coach who could easily understand the team's playing style and not deviate from the philosophy established: "Changing the team's style of play is out of the question. There can be no talk of it. Barcelona's style will remain and will be perfected, but not changed."
"We talked to the coach and quickly reached an agreement. We know the experience that 'Tata' Martino has accumulated, so the Board of Directors of the club unanimously agreed to sign a contract with him," noted J. M. Bartomeu.
"Tata" Martino immediately confessed to the journalists the circumstances under which he joined Barcelona: "Unfortunately, it's a very sad story. I sincerely wish T. Vilanova a speedy recovery. I talked to him on the phone and the coach wished me luck."
The new Barcelona strategist guaranteed that the team's style of play will not change - the team will continue as usual, but, according to the Argentine, he will try to improve some things and also introduce some innovations.
"Constant pressure on opponents and the desire to take the ball away as quickly as possible are strategically important things. I want my players to do this as often as possible. For now, I am satisfied with the composition of the team and trust every player. However, it will take time to get to know all the players, talk to the assistants already working in the team. I want to do this as quickly as possible," confirmed the Argentine.
According to G. Martino, he is not afraid of the challenges ahead: "I understand perfectly well that people here do not know me because I have not worked in Europe, but coaching a team in Argentina is not very easy either, so I hope that my experience will be useful. I have coached more than one team and in all of them I had to get to know my future players. The most important thing is the hunger of the team's players and the desire to achieve victories. I understand that Barcelona is a club with the highest goals. It would be unfortunate not to win any trophies."
As expected, the new Catalonia club manager received questions about the future threatening duo of Lionel Messi and Neymar, as well as about the rumors circulating in the media about the possible departure of Cesc Fabregas.
Answering all questions in a businesslike and calm manner, "Tata" Martino did not hide anything this time.
"I can't imagine how L. Messi and Neymar could play poorly on the field. If that happens, it will be the coach's fault, not the players'," noted the coach.
"It is said that Manchester United wants to acquire C. Fabregas? If the club rejected two offers to sell him, then I will reject the third. Cesc will stay in the team," like a seasoned team veteran, "Tata" Martino assured.
The newly appointed coach was also supported by Barcelona vice president J. M. Bartomeu.
"I think it is normal for Manchester United to want to acquire him. It is a great honor for us. Cesc is indeed a great footballer and we do not intend to sell him. The offer amount is completely uninteresting to us. Cesc is not for sale," guaranteed one of the leaders of the Catalan club.
"Tata" Martino also admitted that he plans to continue using the 4-3-3 tactical formation favored by Barca: "The team is used to playing that way and this formation suits them. I used the same scheme in the Newell's Old Boys team. However, I still need to gather a lot of additional information, talk to the club's employees. I can't give a definitive answer yet on whether the team really needs a defender, but we will find out. Today I am going to Oslo and will observe the players' preparation for friendly matches and then we will see. I have heard that Santiago Vergini is mentioned among possible acquisitions. He is a great footballer, but a final decision will require some time."
