New Barcelona Manager Martino Insists Fabregas Is Not For Sale

                   
                   

Gerardo Martino has told David Moyes that Cesc Fabregas is not for sale after being officially
unveiled as the new manager of Barcelona on a two-year contract.

The 50-year-old, who led Newell's Old Boys to the Argentinian Clausura title last season but recently severed ties with the club, replaces Tito Vilanova, who was forced to step-down due to his battle with cancer.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Martino said: 'Man United want Cesc? If the club rejected two offers, I will reject it a third time. Cesc will be here.'

                    
 Barca President Sandro Rosell (left) greets new manager Martino (right) at the Nou Camp
 
                   
                    
                     
Barca vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed Martino's stance, adding: 'It's normal United are interested, it's an honour, but we count on Cesc and we won't sell, no matter the offer.'

A host of coaches were linked to the vacant position with the Spanish champions, including Luis Enrique, Andre Villas-Boas, Marcelo Bielsa, Michael Laudrup and Guus Hiddink, who recently resigned as coach of Anzhi Makhachkala.

Martino was a surprise choice but is determined to succeed in what is his first job in Europe. He said: 'I'm very happy and grateful. It's an honour to enter a club with such a history and such prestige.

'I'm eager to meet the players and to continue with the football idea of this club, that's why I was signed.

'Sadly, we all know the circumstances why I'm here now. I send my best wishes to Tito.

'I will continue with the idea of Barça and will try to add some new things to make this a more complete team.'You can be ambitious in life, set goals, but I couldn't have imagined one year ago I would be here.  'The main thing is to make sure that the players are still hungry to keep on winning.

'I can't imagine that Messi and Neymar couldn't play well together. If they don't, the coach is to blame.'

Argentine Martino is excited to work with his countryman Lionel Messi but insists Barcelona's star man had nothing to do with the decision to appoint him.

He said: 'Messi and I are both from Rosario, Newell's is our club, but I don't know him personally.

'Messi has played in different positions, but he's scoring more than ever now, I won't change his position.

'As a coach, I've learned to adapt to the squad and to the players I have at my disposal.

'Coaching in Argentina is not easy and that helps us when we leave the country to work elsewhere.

'I think it's normal that people here don't know, since I've been working in South America. I'm not offended by that.'

                       

                     
Messi has backed Martino to bring success to the Camp Nou after a disappointing Champions League exit to eventual winners Bayern Munich last season.

'He (is) a great coach and his record speaks for itself. He showed he could do things well both at Newell's and with Paraguay,' Messi said.

'I am convinced he will do well at Barca.'

Martino must quickly take charge of his new team with the Spanish league set to begin on August 17-18.

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