2013/14 UEFA Odds Updated After Barcelona Hires Coach Tata Martino

Barcelona wants to be back on top next season as they were dismantled and destroyed in the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich, in 2012.  They signed Brazilian striker Neymar and coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino for this upcoming season.

“I find it hard to believe two great players like Messi and Neymar won’t be able to play together. It is not going to be a problem,” Martino said. “If I can’t make them play together, it is a deficit on my part as coach.”

“I think Barca getting this has many great years ahead. My goal is to get the players to know me and trust me and to help form a technical group,” he said.

Barcelona is listed 5/8 to win the Spanish La Liga 2013/14 ahead of Real Madrid, who is 6/5.

Martino was the Newell’s head coach last season and was the coach for Paraguay in the 2010 World Cup.  He was presented this Friday, and he believes is all about Lio Messi.

“The ideal would be to have a team that helps me with all the options,” Martino said. “Messi has played in different positions, but he is scoring more than ever. Lionel Messi will play at the same position. We want him to feel comfortable on the team as he has been.”

Barcelona, along Bayern Munich are the favorite to win the UEFA Champions League 2013/14; both clubs are listed 3/1 in the soccer future odds.

Real Madrid is 5/1 and Manchester United 10/1.