Martino Hits Out At Critics

Former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino has hit out at his critics after a poor season with the Spanish club by saying that it was largely due to the faith in him and his methods. Martino became the manager of Barcelona, one of the best clubs in the world, despite having no introduction to European football. He has been the manager of several top clubs in America, but this was his big jump with the European club. He fared very poorly after failing to win any major trophy in the single campaigns he lasted at the club.
This was the first trophyless campaign for Barcelona in almost a decade. This immediately prompted the club to act and replace him with their former captain Luis Enrique. Martino has since returned to management with the Argentine national team. He has already overseen impressive victories over current world champions Germany in friendlies matches. One the main reasons for Martino being vehemently criticised for his poor spell at Barcelona is his decision to change the style of play at the club. Always known as one of the finest when it comes to possession based football, Barcelona suddenly went down the long ball route on several occasions. This did not suit the squad of players, who were largely short.
"I was surprised by how little they knew about me at Barcelona. You can accept that from a supermarket cashier - but not from someone who works in football. It felt like I was constantly being watched over because of some things that went on and others that didn't. But it's unthinkable not to feel guilty when you join a club that is a winning machine and then it stops winning, and you're the only new face around," said the former Barcelona manager. He also dismissed that Lionel Messi lacked motivation last season.