Gerardo Martino Becomes Barcelona New Manager

Barcelona has announced the appointment of Gerardo Martino as the club's new coach on a two-year deal.

The Camp Nou club were rocked by the departure of Tito Vilanova last week after he resigned from his position as a result of his need to undergo further treatment in his recovery from a cancer relapse.

A number of names, including Celta Vigo boss Luis Enrique, were linked with the post, but the former Newell's Old Boys boss emerged the stand-out candidate after he was given vocal backing from Barca star Lionel Messi.

Martino, 50, has never coached in Europe, but was named South American Coach of the Year in 2007 for his work with the Paraguay national team, before winning the league title with Newell's last season and reaching the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores.

Culled from Goal.com