Tito to Tata - A boon or bane for Barcelona?

Gerardo ‘ Tata ‘ Martino was appointed as manager of the Catalan giants FC Barcelona in the summer of 2013. Tata replaced the out-going Tito Vilanova, who had resigned 72 hours prior to the appointment of the Argentine, owing to his illness and inadequate health conditions to continue as a professional manager. Barcelona were in a state of distress during the summer after a humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of eventual champions Bayern Munich. Adding to their misery was the departure of Tito Vilanova and hence it would be fair to say that Tata entered the scene when the club was in absolute disarray.

The only “hurrah” for the Cules was the transfer of Neymar Jr. from Santos FC. At such a juncture, the appointment of Tata did not manage to convince the masses. However, he had taken the Newell’s Old Boys to the semi-final of the Copa Libertadores and has bagged the “South American Coach of the year: 2007 ” during his five year spell as the manager of Paraguay. Hence, he too has had his share of success in the past.

He had a laudable start to say the least, winning the Supercopa de Espana in a hard-fought contest against a determined Atletico Madrid side. He went on to become the first ever Barcelona coach to not lose the first 16 matches and emerged victorious in his first El Clasico against the experienced Carlo Ancelotti’s side by 2 goals to 1. He has subsequently improved the squad despite not making many marquee signings, just by utilizing his resources in the right way and making subtle alterations to the style.

Here’s a quick look at what the ‘Tata effect’ has offered to the Blaugranas.

Squad rotation

If Tata bettered Tito in a book, this would be its first chapter, Squad Rotation. Tito’s inability to distribute minutes among the roster was evident towards the end of the season. It had a huge impact on different aspects like players’ form, fatigue and morale, while on the other hand, Tata’s rotation in the center of the park has been spot on.

Umpteen stories surrounded Cesc Fabregas regarding a possible exit in the summer. It would have been a double whammy for the Catalans as Thiago Alcantara had just packed his bags to leave for Bayern. However, Cesc decided otherwise owing to Tata’s words and the decision has certainly paid off as Cesc has been on a purple patch, racking up assists to the Catalan attack and has often been the first name on the sheet.

Needed changes in gameplay

The formula of Barcelona has been Tiki-Taka, which means making slick passes & movement off the ball. However, the traditional Tiki-Taka has made the Blaugranas more & more predictable over the years. Adding to the inefficiency of Tito’s side was the lack of pressing in the middle. However, Tata has provided different angles of approach to the Catalans.

Under Tata, the team has known when to keep the ball, when to play the long diagonal balls and when to counter the opposition. The fiery pressing in the middle has in turn aided to revamp the defense, despite not signing a centerback that they ought to.

Goal build-up vs Sevilla

Did you know? As on the February 11, 2014, Barcelona is the team which has scored most goals through counter attacks in La Liga 2013-14, ahead of the Madrid Company - Barcelona 8, Atletico Madrid 7, Real Madrid 7