Martino and Barcelona part ways

Gerardo Martino has left his post as FC Barcelona coach by mutual consent after the club failed in its bid to win a 23rd Liga title.

Speaking after the Catalan giants' 1-1 draw at home to Club Atlético de Madrid, a result that meant their opponents took the title, Martino – who succeeded Tito Vilanova last July – said, "I deeply lament not having met the objectives which are always laid out by, and achieved at, this club. [Barcelona] not only has a great heritage, but also human qualities which is what we will take with us. We admired [the players] when we arrived, still admire them and will continue to do so in the future. I have been immensely proud to have coached at an institution like Barça."

The 51-year-old Argentinian arrived at Barcelona from CA Newell's Old Boys, whom he coached to the national Clausura title in 2013. Despite enjoying a successful start to his reign – winning the Spanish Super Cup against Atlético – the former Paraguay coach saw his side lose to the Los Rojiblancos in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in April. The Bluagrana were subsequently beaten in the Copa del Rey final by Real Madrid CF before being unable to find the win on the final day of the league season that would have denied Diego Simeone's Atlético the title.