Tata: Inappropriate to talk football

Tata Martino said after Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Villarreal that it felt inappropriate to talk about football so soon after the death of Tito Vilanova.

Former Barca Coach Vilanova passed away on Friday after suffering from throat cancer. Martino replaced Vilanova at Camp Nou after Vilanova had to step down due to the illness.

Before kick-off at El Madrigal there was a tribute to Vilanova and a many of the Barca players and staff were visibly affected.

The game saw Villarreal take a two-goal lead by the hour mark only to concede two own goals before Lionel Messi clinched the points with a late winner.

Martino spoke little after the match, according to Terra Espana, as he was too shaken by the loss of Vilanova to divert his attention fully to the game.

“It’s a weekend sad for Barcelona and for football,” Martino said.

“Speaking of football, regardless of how the game went, seems inappropriate. I just want to send a big hug and a lot of strength to the family of Tito.

“In this case football seems to mean so little that to transmit it to a player seems out of place.

“My players showed a lot of strength but the fact is, it's secondary to even mention that.”

Tags Martino Tito Vilanova
La Liga - Club News