Gerardo Martino Biography: The Life and Career of the Argentine Football Manager
Gerardo Martino, also known as “Tata,” is an Argentine professional football coach and former player. Born on November 20, 1962, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, Martino played mostly for Newell’s Old Boys in his native Rosario. He is currently the head coach for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.
Martino’s football career began as a midfielder for Newell’s Old Boys in 1980, where he played for 11 years. He then played for Tenerife in Spain for three years before returning to Newell’s Old Boys for a year. Martino retired from playing football in 1997 and began his coaching career in 1998. He has coached various teams, including Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, and the Argentina national team.
Throughout his career, Martino has won several titles, including the Argentine Primera Division, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de España. He has also led the Argentine national team to the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the final of the Copa America in 2015 and 2016. Martino is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players.
Key Takeaways
- Gerardo Martino is an Argentine professional football coach and former player who is currently the head coach for Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.
- Martino played for Newell’s Old Boys and Tenerife before retiring from playing football in 1997 and beginning his coaching career in 1998.
- Martino has won several titles and is known for his attacking style of play and his ability to develop young players.
Early Life
Gerardo Martino was born on November 20, 1962, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He grew up in a family of football enthusiasts, and his father was a coach at a local club. Martino’s passion for football began at a young age, and he started playing for the local club Union de Sunchales when he was just six years old.
Martino’s family moved to Rosario when he was a teenager, and he joined the youth academy of Newell’s Old Boys, one of the most renowned football clubs in Argentina. He quickly made a name for himself as a talented midfielder, and he was promoted to the first team when he was just 19 years old.
During his time at Newell’s Old Boys, Martino played alongside some of the greatest footballers of his generation, including Gabriel Batistuta and Diego Maradona. He helped the team win several titles, including the Argentine Primera Division in 1988-89 and 1990-91.
Martino’s success at Newell’s Old Boys earned him a call-up to the Argentina national team, and he made his debut in 1991. He went on to play 16 matches for the national team and was part of the squad that won the Copa America in 1991.
Martino’s career as a footballer spanned over a decade, and he played for several clubs in Argentina, Spain, Ecuador, and Chile. He retired from professional football in 1996 and immediately began his coaching career.
Football Career
Player Career
Gerardo Martino began his football career as a midfielder, playing for Newell’s Old Boys in his native Rosario. He played for the club for almost two decades, from 1980 to 1995, and made 505 appearances in all official competitions, which remains a record for the club. During his time at Newell’s Old Boys, Martino won several titles, including the Argentine Primera Division in 1988-89 and 1990-91.
After leaving Newell’s Old Boys, Martino played for several other clubs, including Tenerife in Spain, Lanus in Argentina, and O’Higgins in Chile. He retired from professional football in 1997 at the age of 35.
Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Gerardo Martino began his coaching career. He started as an assistant coach at Brown de Arrecifes in Argentina in 1998 and then moved on to coach several other clubs, including Platense, Instituto, Libertad, and Cerro Porteno.
Martino’s breakthrough as a coach came when he was appointed as the head coach of Paraguay’s national team in 2006. He led Paraguay to the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain. Under Martino’s leadership, Paraguay also won the 2009 and 2011 Copa America.
After leaving Paraguay in 2011, Martino coached several other clubs, including Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, and the Argentina national team. He won several titles with these clubs, including the Spanish Supercup with Barcelona in 2013 and the Copa America runner-up with Argentina in 2015 and 2016.
In 2023, Martino was appointed as the head coach of Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.
Achievements
As a Player
Gerardo Martino had a successful playing career, spending most of it with Newell’s Old Boys. He scored 35 goals in 392 appearances for the club. In 1991, he won the Argentine Primera División with the club.
Martino also played for O’Higgins and Barcelona SC. While playing for O’Higgins, he helped the team win the Chilean Cup in 1996.
As a Coach
Martino’s coaching career has been equally impressive. He has coached several clubs in Argentina and Paraguay, as well as the national teams of Paraguay and Argentina.
Martino’s first coaching job was with Brown de Arrecifes in 1998. He then went on to coach several other Argentine clubs, including Instituto, Platense, and Colón.
In 2002, Martino became the head coach of Cerro Porteño in Paraguay. He led the team to win the Apertura and Clausura tournaments in 2004.
Martino was then appointed as the head coach of the Paraguay national football team in 2007. He led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they lost to Spain.
In 2012, Martino became the head coach of Newell’s Old Boys, the club where he began his playing career. He led the team to win the Argentine Primera División in the 2012-2013 season.
Martino then went on to coach Barcelona, where he won the Supercopa de España and reached the final of the Copa del Rey in the 2013-2014 season.
In 2014, Martino became the head coach of the Argentina national football team. He led the team to the final of the 2015 Copa América, where they lost to Chile on penalties.
Martino then went on to coach Atlanta United in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. He led the team to win the MLS Cup in 2018.
In 2023, Martino was appointed as the head coach of Inter Miami CF in MLS.
Coaching Style
Gerardo Martino, also known as “Tata”, is a coach who emphasizes attacking football and ball possession. He is known for his tactical acumen and ability to adjust his team’s tactics based on the opponent.
Martino’s teams often play with a high pressing style, with the aim of winning the ball back as quickly as possible. He also encourages his players to be creative and take risks in the attacking third of the field.
During his time at Barcelona, Martino implemented a 4-3-3 formation that focused on quick, one-touch passing and movement off the ball. This allowed his team to control the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities.
Aside from his tactical approach, Martino is also known for his strong interpersonal skills and ability to motivate his players. He has been praised for creating a positive team culture and instilling a sense of unity and purpose among his players.
Overall, Martino’s coaching style is characterized by an emphasis on attacking football, tactical flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills. His approach has earned him success at both the club and international level.
Personal Life
Gerardo Martino was born on November 20, 1962, in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina. He is currently 61 years old. Martino is of Italian descent and holds Argentine nationality. His mother’s name is Mabel Capiglioni, while his father’s name is unknown.
Martino is a private person and does not share much about his personal life in public. He is married to Maria Alejandra Martino, and the couple has two children together. However, there is not much information available about his wife and children.
Martino is known for his calm and composed nature on and off the field. He is a family man and enjoys spending time with his loved ones. In his free time, he likes to read books and watch movies.
Martino is also a philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable activities. He has worked with organizations that promote education and sports for underprivileged children.
Overall, Martino is a private person who values his personal life and keeps it away from the public eye.
Legacy
Gerardo Martino’s legacy is one of success both as a player and a coach. As a player, he holds the record for the most appearances with Newell’s Old Boys, playing a total of 505 matches in all official competitions. He also played for the Argentina national team, earning one cap.
As a coach, Martino led Paraguay to the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup, the country’s best ever finish in the tournament. He also won the Copa Libertadores with Newell’s Old Boys in 2013 and led Barcelona to the Copa del Rey title in 2014.
Martino’s tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent have earned him praise from players and fellow coaches alike. He is known for his emphasis on possession-based football and his ability to adapt his tactics to the strengths of his team.
Martino’s success has also paved the way for other Argentine coaches to make their mark on the international stage. His influence can be seen in the coaching styles of Marcelo Bielsa, Diego Simeone, and Mauricio Pochettino, among others.
Overall, Gerardo Martino’s legacy is one of excellence both on and off the pitch. He has left an indelible mark on the sport of football and will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gerardo Martino’s coaching record at Barcelona?
Gerardo Martino coached Barcelona for one season during the 2013-2014 campaign. He led the team to a second-place finish in La Liga and a Copa del Rey final appearance. His team also reached the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.
Did Gerardo Martino play for Argentina?
Yes, Gerardo Martino played for the Argentina national team. He earned 16 caps and scored one goal for his country. He played as a midfielder and was known for his technical ability and vision on the field.
Why did Tata Martino leave Barcelona?
Gerardo Martino left Barcelona after just one season due to the team’s failure to win any major trophies. Despite leading the team to the Copa del Rey final and a strong showing in the Champions League, Barcelona finished second in La Liga behind Atletico Madrid.
Who is the new coach of Mexico soccer team?
As of the current date of October 29, 2023, Gerardo Martino is still the head coach of the Mexico national team. He was appointed to the position in January 2019 and has led the team to several strong performances, including a Gold Cup victory in 2019.
What is Tata Martino’s salary at Inter Miami?
There is no public information available regarding Gerardo Martino’s salary at Inter Miami. He has not been officially linked to the club as a coach or in any other capacity.
What does the term ‘El Tata’ mean?
The term ‘El Tata’ is a nickname given to Gerardo Martino. It is a common term of endearment in Spanish-speaking countries and is often used to refer to a grandfather or older man. The nickname is a nod to Martino’s age and experience in the world of soccer.
