The Argentine is well are that he could be sacked if results do not continue go his way but he feels he is mentally strong enough to
cope with the weight of expectancy at Camp Nou
Gerardo Martino says that he knows full well his job at Barcelona is not safe but insists that he is up to task of coaching within one of the pressurised environments in world football.
The Blaugrana are currently top of La Liga and stormed through to the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners by routing Celtic 6-1 in midweek.
However, Martino's methods are still under intense scrutiny following back-to-back defeats by Ajax and Athletic Bilbao in November and he accepts that one can never take anything for granted in such a high-profile position.
"No coach has an assured future in football. Nobody has," the Barca boss told reporters on Friday.
"I am saddened when the team plays badly and loses. But if a coach gives up after the first defeat of a team that has 80 matches to play, then he's not ready to manage at this level.”
Martino then turned his attention to defensive duo Marc Bartra and Martin Montoya, both of whom are hoping to sign contract extensions with the Catalan outfit.
"I know that the players want to stay and that the club is making an effort to agree renewals," the Argentine explained.
"I hope the contracts are signed. There are obviously many variables in contract negotiations but I do not think that it will affect their performances.
"For me, Montoya was one of the best players on the pitch against Celtic."
Martino's Barcelona return to Liga action on Saturday when they host Villarreal at Camp Nou.
The Blaugrana are currently top of La Liga and stormed through to the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners by routing Celtic 6-1 in midweek.
However, Martino's methods are still under intense scrutiny following back-to-back defeats by Ajax and Athletic Bilbao in November and he accepts that one can never take anything for granted in such a high-profile position.
"No coach has an assured future in football. Nobody has," the Barca boss told reporters on Friday.
"I am saddened when the team plays badly and loses. But if a coach gives up after the first defeat of a team that has 80 matches to play, then he's not ready to manage at this level.”
Martino then turned his attention to defensive duo Marc Bartra and Martin Montoya, both of whom are hoping to sign contract extensions with the Catalan outfit.
"I know that the players want to stay and that the club is making an effort to agree renewals," the Argentine explained.
"I hope the contracts are signed. There are obviously many variables in contract negotiations but I do not think that it will affect their performances.
"For me, Montoya was one of the best players on the pitch against Celtic."
Martino's Barcelona return to Liga action on Saturday when they host Villarreal at Camp Nou.
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