Messi gives backing to Martino

The Argentine superstar has voiced his support for
the former Paraguay coach, saying he is a great
technician, while Gabriel Heinze says he is not
surprised by the Barca link
Lionel Messi has given his backing to Gerardo Martino to take
the vacant Barcelona job.
The position became available following the news on Friday of
Tito Vilanova's cancer relapse, which forced the 44-year-old to
hand in his resignation to the club.
Martino, who guided Newell's Old Boys to the title in
Argentina last season, is one of the favourites to land the job
according to reports emerging from South America and Messi
believes 'Tata' could be the right man for the role.
"I really like Martino, he is a great technician. He makes his
teams play well and everybody respects that," he told Ole.
Martino has gained a strong reputation in South America
following a four-year stint with Paraguay, with whom he was
voted the South American Coach of the Year in 2007.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Heinze, 35, who plays for Newell's, has also
lent his support to his coach, insisting he is not shocked by the
reports that Barca are interested in making Martino their boss.
"I'm not surprised Barca think about Tata Martino. I think he
would be the ideal coach for Barcelona," he told Cope.
"Martino is a coach who doesn't leave anything to chance. His
focus is 100 per cent on ball possession."