Barcelona appoint Gerardo Martino as new coach on two-year deal

Barcelona have appointed Argentine Gerardo Martino as their new head coach after he agreed a two-year contract with the La Liga champions.

The 50-year-old replaces Tito Vilanova, who stepped down as boss last week to continue his treatment for cancer.

The former Paraguay boss was born in Rosario, Argentina in 1962. He has extensive experience of South American football, first as a player and after as a coach, most recently on the bench at Newell’s Old Boys, with whom he won the 2013 Final Tournament.

Martino is set to become the fourth Argentine manager in Barcelona history after Roque Olsen, Helenio Herrera and Cesar Luis Menotti.

Speaking before Martino’s appointment was confirmed, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol said: “We know about his career, he is a very good coach.

“He likes Barcelona’s playing style. I think all the names mentioned are capable of coaching this team.

“We have a certain way of playing; a philosophy. The coach that comes in will follow that line and I’m sure that Zubi [sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta] and the directors want a coach that can adapt to our characteristics.”