FC Barcelona has "reportedly sacked" Communications Dir XAVIER MARTIN and is "set to appoint a fourth person to the role since 2010," according to FOOTBALL ESPANA. The club is "expected to release a statement" confirming Martin's removal from the position, which he has held since Dec. '11. When current Barcelona President SANDRO ROSELL took over in '10, PERE JANSÀ "originally began in the role," but was "replaced after 18 months by KETTY CALATAYUD, who was then succeeded by Martin." The "most likely reason behind this latest change is the club’s belief that they have 'failed to project a positive image' with consideration of the board, the sporting, economic and social situation" (FOOTBALL ESPANA, 11/19). MUNDO DEPORTIVO reported Barcelona has announced ALBERT MONTAGUT, 56, as Martin's replacement. Montagut is a "journalist with extensive experience at various media outlets." The objective "will be to secure stability in the communications department through '16, when Montagut's contract will end." The news "confirms that stability at the communications director position is a signature issue being faced by Rosell." One of the "probable causes of the decision is the feeling that the team's communications department has not been able to convey the team's success" (MUNDO DEPORTIVO, 11/19).
