Barcelona appointed Gerardo "Tata" Martino as its new manager. The announcement came Monday, days after former manager Tito Vilanova decided to resign, The Guardian reports.
Martino signed a three-year deal with the Barcelona football club, following Vilanova's decision to resign on Friday because of the recurrence of his cancer. The contract hasn't yet been finalized.
Martino recently led Newell's Old boys to the semifinal of the Copa Libertadores, and he coached Paraguay's national team in the 2010 World Cup. The Argentinean will bring some of his former coaching staff with him, including assistants Elvio Paolorroso and Jorge Pautasso. It's uncertain if Vilanova's assistants Jordi Roura and recently signed Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia will remain.
Martino and Barcelona spoke as soon as the club knew Vilanova intended to step down. They reached an agreement Monday morning on a video conference call.
Barcelona B team coach Luis Enrique had been an early favorite for the position, but he recently signed with Celta Vigo. Barcelona also considered Ernesto Valverde before he signed with Athletic Bilbao.
Leo Messi may have influenced the decision to sign Martino - the two have exchanged praises in the past. Martino is viewed as a pragmatic coach that is adept at dealing with players on a personal level.
Martino isn't expected in Barcelona until Wednesday and will not handle coaching duties for the club's friendly against Bayern Munich.
Barcelona is expected to make an announcement and formal introduction sometime this week.
