Tata Martino named as the new Argentina coach

Tata Martino during his Barcelona days

Ex-Barcelona manager Tata Martino has been appointed as the next manager of the Argentine national team, the Argentine Football Association announced. Martino will be unveiled as the new man in charge of the La Albiceleste on Thursday in an official ceremony.

The former Newell’s Old Boys midfielder will be taking over the reigns of the national team from Alejandro Sabella, who stepped down from his duties a few weeks back after leading the Argentina to the finals of the World Cup in Brazil. This was the first time Argentina progressed further than the quarter-finals in 24 years.

Vilanova took over the hot seat at Barcelona in July last year after the late Tito Vilanova stepped down owing to a relapse of cancer. Though his career as main man at Nou Camp began on a successful note (he became the first manager in Barcelona history to not lose a game in their first 16 matches), his fortunes dwindled quickly.

The Catalans would finish the season with no trophies, and the players too weren’t very happy under him, which subsequently lead to him being ousted at the end of the season.

The move will see the coming together of Martino with Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, who were under his charge last season. Jorge Pautasso is expected to be Martino’s chief assistant just like he was in his Barcelona days.