Gerardo Martino is FC Barcelona’s new coach

Gerardo “Tata” Martino of Argentina signed a three-year deal to coach FC Barcelona. He will be replacing Tito Vilanova at the helm of the Catalan club.
Vilanova stepped down because his cancer treatments would not allow him to be fully committed as coach of the Spanish giants.

Gerardo Martino, former coach of Argentine champions Newell’s Old Boys, will bring along two of his assistants.

Spanish publication Marca reported, “The former Newell’s Old Boys manager will come to the Catalan club accompanied by two of his regular aides, Elvio Paolorroso and Jorge Pautasso.”

Start striker Lionel Messi has always been a fan of Martino’s.

In a 2012 interview with Argentine portal Olé, the striker stated his respect for Martino, and thinks the Argentine is a great coach.
FC Barcelona has been one of the most successful team’s of this millennium thus far. The Spanish outfit has won six La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, one Spanish Super Cup, two European Super Cups and three UEFA Champions League.

The current La Liga champions have displayed a distinct ball control, quick passing style.

How will Martino change Barcelona? How will he deal with the big names on FC Barcelona?

One thing is for sure: He is arriving at a club full of world-class players. The already star-studded Barcelona just added Brazilian superstar Neymar.
Adopted from VOXXI

4:37 AM 0 comments

Lamar Odom Attacks Paparazzi Trashes Camera and a Car

Lamar Odom went absolutely nuts on 2 paparazzi in Hollywood this afternoon ... smashing a car, a camera ... and then fleeing the scene -- apparently with some of the destroyed camera gear.

The violent incident was captured on video ... where Mr. Khloe Kardashian was seen going into the back of a car belonging to one of the paps, and chucking all of the guy's equipment into the middle of a busy street.

He then walked across the street and smashed another photog's car with a metal bar, then picked up all the gear from the street and put it in his trunk.
Adopted from Tmz

1:13 PM 0 comments

'Here to help Messi' - Humble Neymar makes all the right noises on Barcelona bow

The 21-year-old Brazilian was unveiled following his £48 million move and began his Camp Nou career on the front foot as he preached the team ethic at his presentation on Monday

It was the best possible start. Neymar made his Barcelona bow in front of almost 57,000 fans in the Catalan capital on Monday as the club's new Brazilian signing was presented to the Camp Nou crowd and then, subsequently, to the media. And he made all the right noises.

Expectation was high outside Europe's largest stadium on one of the hottest days of the year. Barcelona followers have endured a complicated campaign (despite their Liga triumph) with the illness of coach Tito Vilanova, the disappointing defeats to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals and, only days ago, the news that Eric Abidal will leave the Catalan club this summer. But this was something for fans to be excited about - and Neymar didn't disappoint.

Some 334 journalists from all corners of the world were present to welcome the Brazilian, as well as the 56,500 fans - the highest turn-out at a player presentation for Barca since Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unveiled in front of 60,000 souls in the summer of 2009.

Ibrahimovic, however, arrived at perhaps the highest point in Barca's recent history - just a couple of months after Pep Guardiola's spectacular side had completed a historic treble of Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League crowns. In a sense, the only way was down after such success. With Neymar, it seems, the only way is up - especially after his slick showing on Monday.

Unlike the Sweden striker, who was all smiles at his presentation but mumbled in Italian almost all the way through his entire Camp Nou career, Neymar spoke in Catalan to his new adoring aficionados. And he said all the right things, too.

Catalans always appreciate a few words in their native tongue and Neymar obliged. He had prepared for this: "Bona tarda," he began; "Estic molt feliç" and, of course, "Visca el Barca". "Good afternoon"; "I am really happy [to be here]" and "Long live Barca". Little phrases which meant a lot.

But much more interesting was how he dealt with questions from the media on what was the first test in his European career: Is he here to be the best in the world? "No, the best in the world is already here - and that's Lionel Messi." Does he want to win the Ballon d'Or. "I am not thinking about that - I am only here to help Messi carry on being the best in the world." Is he worth €57 million? "No!"

The message was clear: Neymar will not compete with the world's finest footballer but look to complement his new Argentine team-mate. Often tagged as a flashy individualist who values tricks over teamwork, a selfish showboater solely interested in building his own reputation, the Brazilian preached the team ethic on Monday; even if he had prepared himself for this, he tapped in to Barca's collective philosophy perfectly and showed he was well in tune with the hopes and needs of the Catalan club. His new fans were listening - and they were liking.

So thumbs up for Neymar. Before a ball has even been kicked for the Blaugrana, the Brazilian has already made the best possible impression. His advisors have been intelligent. Talk about aiding Messi, they will have told him, preach the team ethic and tell them you are willing to work with others to build something special here. It was the right attitude, the right message and the right start from the Brazilian on Monday - a first test passed with flying colours. Catalan colours.

Courtesy of:goal.com

5:48 AM 0 comments

Pistorius Shows No Emotion in Court

South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius showed no emotion in court on Tuesday as a hearing into his girlfriend’s death was postponed until August. Pistorius, a double-amputee, has been charged with premeditated murder of his girlfriend, model Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot to death in their home in February. Pistorius’s trial is unlikely to start until September at the earliest, and he is currently out on bail. The athlete has said he killed Steenkamp by accident, claiming he thought she was an intruder, but prosecutors said he shot her intentionally after they argued and she hid in the bathroom. A British television station, Sky News, last week aired bloody images of Pistorius’s bathroom, which reportedly show the toilet where Pistorius allegedly hit Steenkamp several times through a wooden door. The pictures have not been verified.

Courtesy of Google News

4:59 AM 0 comments

Jose Mourinho says Chelsea return was 'easy decision'

Jose Mourinho said it was an "easy decision" for him to return to Chelsea for a second spell in charge.It was announced on Monday that the 50-year-old had signed a four-year deal to manage the club he had previously helped to two Premier League titles.

"It was an easy decision," ex-Real Madrid boss Mourinho told Chelsea TV.

"I asked the boss 'do you want me back?' and the boss asked 'do you want to come back?' - after a couple of minutes the decision was made."

He added: "I'm very happy. I had to prepare myself to not be too emotional on my arrival at the club, but obviously I'm very happy."

The Portuguese manager, who also helped the Blues to two League Cup wins and one FA Cup triumph, takes over from interim boss Rafael Benitez following a three-year period in charge at Real Madrid.

He said that he would be looking to "improve the team" but not by spending millions in the transfer wind"By that, I mean work with the team. My work has to improve the players and the team," added Mourinho.

"If I don't do that I won't be happy with myself. If after that we can further improve the team by buying couple of players, then fantastic - but I have to improve the team with my work."

Mourinho, who helped Real to the Spanish league title in 2012 and has won two European Cups with Porto and Inter Milan, said if it was up to him he would like to begin training with the squad straight away.

"I don't need a holiday," he added.

"I'm sorry that we aren't beginning training tomorrow. I say to the players during the season when they are tired that victories make miracles.

"When you win, win, win, you are never tired. In my case, it's about moving to a place I love. Happiness is stronger than tiredness."ow.

Mourinho initially left Chelsea by mutual consent on 20 September 2007 after the club had made an indifferent start to the season which had seen them occupy fifth in the table.

There were also reports that his relationship with Russian owner Roman Abramovich had become strained.

"I think it was a difficult moment because you know I love it here and I have a big connection with the club - it wasn't easy for the club either," he said of that period.

"But if you analyse it, in a cool way, and leave your emotions aside, I think it was fantastic. I got what I aimed for in my career, while Chelsea also won more important trophies.

"We are now back together which is a great moment for both. We are ready to marry again and be happy and successful again."

Courtesy of BBC Sport

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