Barcelona Announces Martino Step down

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Barcelona have announced that manager Gerardo Martino has stepped down from his role after his failure to win any major trophy this season. Barcelona went into the last day of the season looking to at least retain the league title after they had suffered several exits in cup competitions like the Champions League and the Copa del Rey. However, a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid meant that Diego Simeone’s team won the title with a two-point advantage. The Argentine boss, who was appointed as the replacement for Tito Vilanova only last summer, had said prior to the match that his future was in major doubt following a poor campaign.

He also revealed that there was a clause in his two-year contract, which allowed him to leave the club after 12 months should both parties not be happy with the work. It has been revealed that the club has exercised his contract after coming to terms with Martino. The 52-year-old boss attempted to change the style of the club this campaign, as they played more long balls than ever. The 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final and the Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid appeared to have sealed his fate.

The final nail in the coffin came in the form of the league defeat.

“I’m sorry I was unable to deliver. I’d like to thank the club for their confidence in me. I deeply regret not having achieved the goals that this club has always been set and achieved. These are great players. My greatest gratitude goes to the players. They have made me proud,” said the manager after announcing his exit. “We are grateful to ‘Tata’. This has been a tough season,” said the club sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta following the official announcement.

HANDANOVIC MAN OF THE MATCH

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Samir Handanovic was named as the man of the match during Inter Milan’s triumph against Sampdoria as they played a few days ago and the Slovenian goalkeeper maintained a clean sheet by denying Maxi Lopez from scoring a penalty set-piece and had a busy evening throughout the entire match.

Inter Milan is working hard trying to secure a spot in Serie A which would allow them to compete in the Europa League for the upcoming season. Their victory against Sampdoria was crucial for them to continue fighting for Europa League dreams but Handanovic announced that there still is a lot of work left to do and he does not feel like the victory has placed them closer to their objectives. Read more “HANDANOVIC MAN OF THE MATCH”

SCOLARI SLAMS BARCA

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Brazil’s national team manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has criticised Barcelona’s use of star striker Neymar. Despite being signed in what could turn out to be the world record transfer fee, Neymar has not been played in his favourite position. At his previous clubs and also for the national team, Neymar place on the left of a three-man striking force. However, Gerardo Martino has been utilising the young striker on the right way to the left being favoured by either Andres Iniesta or some of the youngsters. After starting his Barcelona career in excellent fashion, Neymar has been looking off colour in recent weeks.

Scolari, who regards Neymar as one of the finest talent he has ever managed, says that the club are not getting the best out of the 21-year-old. Neymar proved his worth by scoring the equaliser in Barcelona’s 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals. He was found by an excellent ball from Iniesta and he slotted home from the left. Scolari has also criticised the Spanish media by saying that they have been too critical of Neymar. The striker has been signed for a reported £ 86 million and his wages would potentially makes him the highest transfer in world football.

He has been constantly compared with Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale.

“Neymar hasn’t shone at Barca because they play different to what he is used to. He’s better when he has space, but Barcelona have him playing on the right. The Spanish press has one opinion about Neymar and the Brazilian press has another. For the national team he’s a special player and he plays in a different way to how he does at Barca. This can be Neymar’s World Cup, we can be sure of that,” said Scolari, who is making Brazil one of the best in the world again.