Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta is supportive of the appointment of new coach Gerardo Martino.

The Argentine's arrival has surprised many connected to Barca.

"Martino has joined a club that has a genuine style of football that has proved to give results, and it makes sense for him to adapt to that," Laporta told reporters.

"The best Barcelona side of all time has been built on that style, a side that is admired around the world, and it would be a mistake to break with that.

"Martino will come to Barca with the intention of doing a good job, and it's a big challenge for him. He has said he is a fan of Guardiola and that shows he is intelligent and knows that this is a system that works.

"I was pleasantly surprised that he said he is the one that needs to adapt to the team, not the other way round. I wholeheartedly support Martino."