Rumors swirl that Barcelona manager could soon be fired
战绩惨淡巴塞罗那主帅被炒
Just a couple weeks after David Moyes got the axe at Old Trafford rumours are swirling surrounding another high profile firing in the world of European football. The latest name to be thrown into the mix Gerardo Martino of Barcelona.
Barca have stuttered into the closing stages of the La Liga season and only have a remote chance of winning the title. This on top a quarter-final exit in the Champions League and defeat in the final of the King's Cup by bitter rivals Real Madrid means that under Martino the side has fallen short of expectations.
The Argentine signed a two-year deal ahead of this campaign but it includes a clause which allows either side to cancel the agreement after the first year.
A number of reports out of Spain say he is now unlikely to stay with former-Barcelona favourite Luis Enrique, currently heading up Celta Vigo, rumoured to lead the list of candidates to replace him. Martino says he'd like to stay and isn't willing to give up on the season just yet.
"These players have never stopped competing and fighting for silverware. In this case, in which we are not doing so well in difficult circumstances, some in which there is no way out, they keep on fighting and competing. That shows the kind of players they are." Gerardo Martino said.
Turning to this weekend in Spain, here is what the three title contendors have on tap.
On Saturday, Barcelona is taking on relegation-threatened Getafe. Barca will need to win and get some help to have a shot of repeating as champs. On Sunday, Atletico are at Levante. With three rounds to go for them win out and they are champs. Later on in the day it's Real at home to Valencia. Real are six back of Atletico heading into the weekend but do have a game in hand.