Tata Martino celebrates his first 50 games at Barcelona with a 78 per cent winning record. Since his appointment in June 2013, the Argentine manager has tried to explore various styles of playing different from his predecessor’s possession football approach.
Critics have had their say but numbers don’t lie. Stats show that Gerardo Martino has done slightly better than the much loved Pep Guardiola.
As for silverware, Tata guided the Catalans to Spanish Super Cup glory last summer. The club is in the running to add three more cups by the end of the season.
FC Barcelona are a match away from the possibility of grabbing the 2013/14 Copa del Rey trophy. In La Liga, they are only one point behind leaders Atletico Madrid whom they will face on Matchday 38. Meanwhile, they have a chance in the UEFA Champions League after Martino’s 50th game in charge ended 1-1 against Atleti on Tuesday night.
INFOGRAPHIC: Martino's first 50 games.
First: Helenio Herrera – 1958/59
- 40 wins; 5 draws; 5 defeats
Second: Tata Martino – 2013/14
- 37 wins; 8 draws; 5 defeats (136 goals scored; 37 goals allowed)
Third: Pep Guardiola – 2008/09
- 37 wins; 8 draws; 5 defeats (133 goals scored; 42 goals allowed)
