Intro:

Former Barcelona manager Gerardo Martino was presented as the new head coach of Argentina on Thursday

Martino takes over for Alejandro Sabella, who announced he was stepping down in late July.

It may not have worked out for Gerardo Martino at Barcelona but it hasn't been long before the Argentine has found himself back in a job.

Martino has taken over from Alejandro Sabella as head coach of his native Argentina and spoke of the honour of being selected to lead his country.

The announcement comes almost exactly one month after his country finished as runners-up at the World Cup in Brazil, so Martino has big shoes to fill from previous head coach Sabella.

Script:

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Gerardo Martino, Argentina Head Coach:

"To become the head coach of your own country is such an immense pride for me, an accomplishment of a great aspiration. Now I am ready to be working and training hard towards our goals. This is such an incredible privilege."SOUNDBITE (Spanish)

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Gerardo Martino, Argentina Head Coach:

"With everything that occurred, of course there are going to be critics partial to one side and then someone partial to the other side, everyone will have their own opinion and express their beliefs differently. But I can say that I take complete responsibility for my departure from Barcelona. Honestly, I know that my one year at Barcelona was poor."

SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Gerardo Martino, Argentina Head Coach:

"In Leo (Messi) and Javier (Mascherano)'s case, we have an advantage I think. I spent the last year with them, seeing how they train and play. Messi's role in the team will be the same as it is with Barcelona, being the best player in the world. He has that responsibility and he is truly the best player in the world. For Javier, he is being seen as a vital leader within the squad, but for me I have always seen that in him - his leadership has always been evident to me."