TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Barcelona boss Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has announced that he is to leave the Catalans fell short in the race for La Liga title this season. In a title-decider match last weekend, Barcelona, expecting a win, only played a draw against Atletico Madrid, which were then crowned Spanish champions for the first time since 1996.
Martino arrived at Camp Nou last summer from Newell's Old Boys, replacing Tito Vilanova as the then boss sought treatment for cancer. Under the Argentine, Barcelona's achievement this season includes Champions League and Copa del Rey exits, both coming from Madrid-based teams. It is the first time since 2008 that Barcelona have ended the season without a major piece of silverware, having secured only one Spanish Supercoppa trophy in the season-opening.
Martino has then decided to leave Barcelona, confirming he has reached "an agreement to cease being the coach.'' Prior to that, Martino's future with the Catalans had triggered waves of speculation, also that his exit would pave way for Barcelona legend Luis Enrique to take the reins after he departed Celta Vigo earlier this week.
ESPN | AGUS BAHARUDIN
