Tata Martino announces that he will no longer manage FC Barcelona

Barcelona (FCB).- Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino stepped down as FC Barcelona’s manager after the match against Atlético Madrid. The Argentinian, who was accompanied by Andoni Zubizarreta, announced the decision in the post-match press conference.  “I announce the mutual decision with the club to no longer manage FC Barcelona,” he started. He continued by thanking, “regardless of today’s result,” the club for the support he received throughout the season. “I thank the club for everything its given me, I thank President Bartomeu, Football Director Zubizarreta and Sandro Rosell for having confidence in me.” He added: “I also thank the fans for their respect, and I thank everyone that worked with me and my staff, and I especially thank the players.”

Martino expressed his sorrow for not winning the league title. “I profoundly lament the fact that I was not able to help the players to achieve the objectives of the club. We tried with dignity,” he said. He then went on to congratulate the new league champions: “I congratulate Atlético Madrid because they were our great rival this season, they did a fantastic job and I’m certain they will continue to do well.”

The former FC Barcelona manager then focused on his players. “We admire them from afar, we admire them from within and I will continue to do so from now on because the following years will be good ones for them,” he said. “I don’t only admire them for their talent, but because they are good human beings. It has been an honour to lead this institution.”

“We thank Martino for the job he’s done throughout this complicated season”

FC Barcelona Football Director Andoni Zubizarreta also talked to the press. “We thank Martino for the job he’s done throughout this complicated season.”

Despite today’s result, Zubizarreta said “that despite the difficulties, the team fought until the end for the league and Copa del Rey.” Lastly, the football director thanked Martino for his dedication and for “keeping the team competitive throughout the season.”