Why Did Martino Leave Barcelona?
When Gerardo Martino took over as the head coach of FC Barcelona in July 2013, he inherited a team that had just won their fourth La Liga title in five years. The expectations were high, as the Catalan club had become synonymous with beautiful and dominant football under the guidance of previous coaches such as Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova.
The Initial Success
Martino’s first season at Barcelona started off well, with the team winning their opening seven league matches. The Argentine coach seemed to have seamlessly adapted to the club’s style of play, emphasizing quick passing and possession-based football.
Under Martino’s guidance, Barcelona reached the final of the Copa del Rey and finished second in La Liga. However, despite these achievements, there were signs of trouble brewing behind the scenes.
The Internal Struggles
One major factor that contributed to Martino’s departure was the internal struggles within the club. Barcelona was going through a period of transition with an aging squad that needed rebuilding. Additionally, there were rumors of player unrest and conflicts between certain members of the coaching staff.
Lack of Control: Martino found it challenging to assert his authority over a squad that had been used to a more hands-on approach from previous coaches. His calm demeanor was often interpreted as a lack of control over the players.
Injury Crisis: Another hurdle that Martino faced during his time at Barcelona was an injury crisis that plagued his squad. Key players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Victor Valdes suffered long-term injuries, making it difficult for him to maintain consistency in his team selection and tactical approach.
The Trophy Drought
Ultimately, it was Barcelona’s failure to win major trophies that led to Martino’s departure. The club was knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the quarter-finals by Atletico Madrid and finished the season without any silverware.
Martino’s inability to deliver trophies in his first and only season at Barcelona raised questions about his suitability for the club. The demanding nature of Barcelona’s fanbase and board meant that success was expected year after year, and anything less was considered a failure.
A Mutual Decision
At the end of the 2013-2014 season, Martino and Barcelona mutually agreed to part ways. It became evident that both parties felt that a change was necessary for the club to regain their winning ways.
In conclusion, Martino’s departure from Barcelona can be attributed to a combination of factors, including internal struggles, lack of control over the squad, an injury crisis, and most importantly, a failure to win trophies. While his time at Barcelona may not have been as successful as previous coaches’, it is important to acknowledge the challenges he faced and appreciate his efforts in maintaining the club’s style of play during a period of transition.