Soccer

Martino takes the reins at Barca

Barcelona has hired Argentine Gerardo Martino, known as a disciple of the club's possession-based style, to replace Tito Vilanova as coach, the Spanish champion said on Tuesday. The 50-year-old Martino, a Rosario native like Barca's World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, has agreed a two-year contract, the club said on its website. Vilanova, 44, stepped down last week to continue treatment for throat cancer after leading Barca to the La Liga title in his first season.