• La Liga

Martino to leave after Barca fall short

ESPN staff
May 17, 2014
Tata Martino leaves Barcelona with just one trophy to his name, the 2013 Spanish Supercopa © Getty Images
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Barcelona manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has announced that he will leave his post after failing to guide the club to the La Liga title.

Atletico Madrid were crowned Spanish champions for the first time since 1996 as they drew 1-1 with Barcelona in a dramatic La Liga title decider on the final day of the season.

Having also fallen short in the Champions League and Copa del Rey - with semi-final exits to Atletico and Real Madrid respectively - Martino has decided to leave Barcelona, confirming he has reached "an agreement to cease being the coach.''

The Argentine, whose one trophy came in the season-opening Spanish Supercopa, arrived at Camp Nou last summer from Newell's Old Boys, stepping in for Tito Vilanova as he sought treatment for cancer - a battle he ultimately lost last month.

Martino's future with the Catalans had been the subject of speculation for some time and his exit paves the way for Barcelona legend Luis Enrique to take the reins after he departed Celta Vigo earlier this week.

It is the first time since 2008 that Barcelona have ended the season without a major piece of silverware.

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