The Argentina Football Association has confirmed former Barcelona coach Gerardo ‘tata’ Martino as the new Argentina coach.
The 51-year-old will succeed Alejandro Sabella, whose contract expired after guiding ‘La Albiceleste’ to the final of the 2014 World Cup, where they were edged 1-0 by eventual champions.
A statement on the AFA website said Martino will be formally introduced at a press conference in Ezieza, Buenos Aires on Thursday.
It will be the Rosario-born manager’s second spell as National team coach after guiding Paraguay (2006-11) to the quarter-finals of the 2010 South Africa World Cup before officially leaving the position at the end of the 2011 Copa America to take over at his hometown club, Newell Old Boys, in 2012.
His season-long spell with Barcelona came to an end in May, after failing to lead the Catalans to a title defence in the 2013/14 season’s final day 1-1 draw at home to Atletico Madrid, which saw his side relinquish the La Liga crown to the visitors.
His only trophy while at the helm of the Camp Nou came in a Spanish Super Cup final victory over Atletico in August 2013.
