14 August 2014

Am Proud To Be Argentina's Coach Says Tata Martino

Gerardo Martino says he is "proud" to take over as coach of the Argentina national team.
Martino takes over as coach of the World Cup runners-up just a few months on from departing Barcelona after just one season in charge at Camp Nou.

The 51-year-old was announced as the replacement of Alejandro Sabella as national team coach on Wednesday and was unveiled at a press conference on Thursday, where he spoke of his pride at taking over. Martino's first game in charge will be a World Cup final rematch against Germany in a friendly on September 2.

"I'm proud to be in this role and I must thank the Argentine Football Association for having the confidence in me to give me this job," he told reporters.


"The national team requires a work commitment, but also a personal one as well. To lead your country is something very different.

"I want to continue in Sabella's line of work which, beyond results, has been wonderful.

"We have decided to call on the same players who played in the World Cup final against Germany for the friendly. It is a reward for them.

"I have the advantage of having worked with Messi and Mascherano at Barcelona."

Martino suggested that he will consider bringing Carlos Tevez back into the national team, saying: "The door is open for all Argentine players."

The coach's campaign in charge of Barcelona has been considered a failure after he failed to win a major trophy and he insists he should be held responsible for the Catalans' fruitless year.

"We went to Barcelona to do a good job, but we didn't," said Martino. "That is mainly my fault. I feel responsible for last season."

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