Gerardo Martino Quotes

I’m very demanding of myself.

I don’t have any doubts about how to play at the Bernabeu.

The national team requires a work commitment but also a personal one as well. To lead your country is something very different.

When we are operating in tight spaces and when the opposition are closing us down, players like Messi can help us to create openings.

No one would ever take Messi out of a match if the teams are evenly matched. But it can be done in matches where we take a big lead. This way, he can preserve his fitness.

A lot of times, when you work at the top level, you feel like your part really isn’t as important; you don’t feel as involved in the growth.

We always think that the right thing is to make an effort to have domestic coaches. I don’t think that posture is bad.

I do not like to avoid responsibilities and feel that I am responsible.

Teams always have natural leaders on the pitch and natural leaders in footballing terms.

Sometimes, it is logical that by analysing a player, one thinks it is better to play him in one place or another, but then, if he is good, you can be more flexible.

It is a pleasure to see Leo, an Argentine, as the top scorer in the Champions League.

That is the problem we have in Argentina: we do not sit down and think.

It doesn’t affect my authority if I change my stance on something. If I have to reconsider a decision, I will.

If I have learned anything from my coaches, it’s that the next game is the most important. The next game is the one that gives you confidence or gets you into trouble.

Despite being the greatest, Messi is an ordinary guy. He speaks like a normal guy, he acts like a normal guy. As a normal person, he has family, day-to-day problems in his life, friends and family, the usual.

I try not to make comparisons between who I’ve coached. And I haven’t always coached the best in the world.

We want to play beautiful football; we are committed to that.

We should never have to do whatever Messi says. I did not pay attention to him, not even in the national team. But that is the myth that has been formed. But it is not just me: a lot of people have said it, but of course you won’t believe it from me… It is not me who is denying it. The facts deny it.

We have ways to confront the attention that Messi gets. Some teams mark him personally; others get physical and surround him with players.

Mascherano’s impact as a leader is more important inside the squad, and Messi’s leadership is more important in the pitch.

I didn’t make any mark on Barcelona. It was a blip in my career in terms of what I did as a coach.

I’m an admirer of Guardiola’s work.

Neymar is an exceptional player.

If I get a lucky win, it is difficult to sustain that over time, so we have to maintain a style.

If you analyze the German league, the Spanish league, the Italian league, there are two or three teams that stand out above the rest, and the other teams have a regular level.

I will always vote for Messi for Golden Ball.

I’m leaving Atlanta the same way I arrived, with great affection for the fans and a mutual respect.

Really, all coaches are accustomed to coaching… normal players.

Probably the Liga MX or the American league, there are a higher number of competitive games than in the Spanish league or the English league.

Everyone wants to finish a project they start, but in the world of football, you cannot guarantee anything.

I would never risk speaking ill of Messi.

I made some monumental mistakes with Barcelona.

Everyone wants to see Neymar and Messi play together.

All I learned in Barcelona was about being surrounded by stars, by the best in the world.

When you have the chance to finish off your opponent, you must do it. You shouldn’t give them chances to come back.

I always said in my career as a footballer, I owe everything to Newell’s. But as a coach, I owe everything to Paraguay.

I understand that it’s always difficult for a national team to have a foreign manager. It’s a nationalistic question that also flows into football.

If Messi is in the mix, that’s who I want to win.

The team evolves over time, and players need replacing.

I really do not care that Messi isn’t scoring every match. Leo always produces match-changing moments.