How Barcelona's philosophy helped Valverde keep his job

FC Barcelona v Athletic Club - La Liga

Tata Martino

Gerardo Martino showed plenty of promise in his first season but failed to win a title. Enjoying the support of Lionel Messi and the Barcelona dressing room, Martino became the first coach in the club's history to not lose a game in the first 16 matches. But he decided to step down even though there was one year left on his contract.

His style of playing a high-pressing game won him plaudits, and his tactics even suited Barcelona's preferred style of tiki-taka. The attack-minded football and creativity, along with quick passing, helped Barcelona evoke the same fears as under previous managers. In addition, Martino's team also played out from the back and called on the youth system. His stint was good enough to get him the job as Argentina's coach after leaving Barcelona.