Barcelona is slated to announce that Gerardo Martino will be the team's coach for the next few seasons.
ESPN reports, "Barcelona are set to appoint Gerardo 'Tata' Martino on a three-year contract, according to various reports in the Spanish media."
Martino enters a team "in shambles" by Barcelona standards. Former coach Tito Vilanova stepped down Friday due to an ongoing fight with cancer and the club is coming off a season that left a number of question marks. Is Barcelona still invincible or did the 7-0 two-legged defeat against Bayern Munich destroy the team's potency? More importantly, does its "tiki taka" system still have a place in modern soccer or is it time to change tactics?
There are also lingering questions about Cesc Fabregas remaining on the team.
Club captain Carles Puyol told the media that the team has a certain style and he trusts the board to make the right decision on bringing in a coach that will continue the tradition.
"I think the names that have been mentioned are capable of coaching this team. We all know that Zubi and the board are working hard, and we're sure they'll bring us the best coach," Puyol said. "We have a certain way of playing - a philosophy. The coach that comes in will follow that line, and I'm sure Zubi and the directors are looking for a coach who can adapt to our characteristics."
He did mention Martino and was excited about the prospect of working with him.
"I know Martino is a very good coach, who likes the style of the club," said Puyol.
Martino is from Rosario, Argentina, the same town where Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi grew up. Publications have noted that Messi has been supportive of bringing in the Argentinean to coach the club.
Martino is expected to arrive in Barcelona on Wednesday but will not be ready to coach the team against Bayern Munich in a friendly.
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