Argentina coach Gerardo Martino resigns

Gerardo Martino has quit as Argentina head coach following the fall-out from their recent Copa America Centenario defeat to Chile.

Martino’s resignation leaves the frustrated squad, which is still reeling from Lionel Messi’s retirement, in chaos just a month ahead of the Olympics.

The former Barcelona coach said he and his coaching staff had decided to stand down due to management disputes in the association and difficulties in getting a squad together in time for the Rio Games.

The blow comes less than two weeks after Messi announced his international retirement in the wake of defeat to Chile, which sparked demonstrations by fans desperate for him to stay.

Martino’s decision was ‘due to the lack of clarity in the naming of new leaders for the association and the serious inconveniences in forming a squad to represent the country in the coming Olympic Games,’ said a statement issued by the Argentina Football Association (AFA).

Argentine media said Martino was frustrated at clubs not releasing players for the national squad in time for the Olympics.

The 53-year-old oversaw 29 wins, seven draws and three defeats since taking charge of the team following their defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup.

He led the team to the Copa America final last year and again last month in the centenary edition, only to suffer consecutive penalty shootout defeats to Chile.

The president of the Argentine Olympic Committee, Gerardo Werthein, told a radio station shortly before Tuesday’s announcement that there was a ‘50-percent chance’ Argentina would miss the Olympic football competition.