Martino leaves Barcelona after losing La Liga

Coach Gerardo Martino says he is leaving Barcelona after a disappointing first season that ended with his team losing its Spanish league title on the season’s final day. The Argentine manager says he has reached “an agreement to cease being the coach” after Barcelona was held to 1-1 by new champion Atletico Madrid on Saturday. [caption id=“attachment_1530617” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Martino was hired last summer and tasked with continuing Barcelona’s winning era started by predecessor Pep Guardiola in 2008. AP[/caption] Martino was hired last summer and tasked with continuing Barcelona’s winning era started by predecessor Pep Guardiola in 2008. But Barcelona finished the season without a major trophy for the first time since the 2007-08 season. Former Barcelona player Luis Enrique is expected to replace Martino, who leaves with one year left on his contract. Enrique is stepping down as Celta Vigo coach after meeting with Barcelona last week. AP