Former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino admits he taught Lionel Messi nothing
Argentina boss Gerardo Martino has admitted he taught Lionel Messi absolutely nothing during his season in charge at Barcelona.
The coach took charge at Camp Nou for the 2013-14 season, but failed to win a major trophy after Atletico Madrid secured La Liga glory at their expense on the final day of the campaign.
Martino has previously acknowledged he made major mistakes during his time at the helm, but has now gone further by admitting to Argentine newspaper Clarin that he contributed very little to the progression of a star-studded Barca squad.
When asked what he had been able to teach his international captain Messi during their time together at Barcelona, Martino said: "Nothing. Nothing at all. Not to him or to Barca.
"I didn't make any mark on Barcelona, it was a blip in my career in terms of what I did as a coach.
"It would be logical to use the term failure. I went to a team that always won and didn't win anything while I was there. The Supercopa is next to nothing for Barcelona.
"All I learned in Barcelona was about being surrounded by stars, by the best in the world.
"I made some monumental mistakes with Barcelona. What were they? I will tell you in another life."
The 52-year-old said he was simply being honest about his lack of success during his stint under the spotlight in Catalunya.
He continued: "I am just telling you what I feel. If you want me to lie, I will say it was a great time."
Martino, who replaced Alejandro Sabella as national team coach after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Germany, has won three and lost two of his first five matches in charge.
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