Tata Martino has spoken for the first time about his Barcelona tenure, acknowledging the lack of a trophy is what led to his departure.
Martino lasted only a year at Camp Nou, leaving following the end of the League season after Barca finished second to Atletico Madrid.
Barca were also eliminated from the Copa del Rey and the Champions League to end the campaign empty-handed.
Sport reports Martino as admitting that the standards at Barca were different to those he was previously accustomed.
“The difference between the big clubs, like Barca, and the smaller ones is that the former must always win and the other will usually win from time to time,” Martino said.
“At Barca you always have to win.
“This is a unique generation of players and they still want to win, because they never get tired of it.
“Barca’s place in the football world will be maintained if these players are still playing well and winning.”
Martino also paid tribute to Lionel Messi and backed Argentina to go far at the World Cup.
“Messi is an extraordinary footballer, always trying to invent things to surprise the opponent,” Martino said of his compatriot.
“He’s only 27-year-old and can still beat many records.
“The World Cup is at an optimal time. It’s time for this generation of players to win the World Cup.
“Argentina has a lot of strength and is very competitive.”
