Barcelona have confirmed the appointment of Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino as Coach, replacing Tito Vilanova in the position.
Vilanova had to step down from the role on Friday due to ill health, with the club confirming in a brief Press conference that they would act quickly to appoint his successor.
Reports over the weekend immediately suggested that the race was between Luis Enrique and former Newell’s Old Boys Coach Martino, with the latter reported as meeting with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta on Monday.
On from that came reports yesterday that the club had reached an agreement for his appointment that a brief board meeting this morning at Sandro Rosell’s house has now ratified.
Following the conclusion of that meeting, the club have released a statement confirming Martino’s arrival on a two-year deal.
“FC Barcelona have reached an agreement to hire Gerardo Martino as the first team’s new Coach for the next two seasons,” read Barca’s statement posted on their website.
“This agreement is pending the drafting and signing of the contract.
“In the coming hours a program will be implemented for his arrival in Barcelona, the signing of the contract and subsequent presentation.”
It is understood that current assistant Coaches Jordi Roura and Rubi will oversee the team’s preparations and involvement in Wednesday’s preseason match at Bayern Munich, with Martino starting work from Thursday.
