Barca promote from within

Barcelona moved swiftly to continue the philosophies developed successfully by Pep Guardiola by appointing Tito Vilanova as his successor.

Vilanova, currently Guardiola’s assistant, will assume the top job when Guardiola stands down, at the end of his contract on June 30. Guardiola confirmed at a press conference he would be leaving to “recharge his batteries” after four trophy-laden years at the Nou Camp.

The likes of Laurent Blanc and Marcelo Bielsa were linked with the post when it become apparent Guardiola was considering his future but the club’s sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta feels promoting from within was the way forward.

“We chose Tito because he represents the idea and the image,” he said. “He has commitment and personality. We’ve always said that if the team needs players, we look at home first. Who do we have here at home? Tito.”

It was a move endorsed by Guardiola, who added: “I think the club has taken the best decision possible. He is more than capable. The players know him. He will make few changes. He will give the club and these players something that I thought I could no longer give.”

Vilanova (42), has only recently returned to work after having a throat tumour removed in November last year and has maintained a low profile in his role as assistant, his biggest claim to fame coming when he was poked in the eye by Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho during the Spanish Supercopa at the start of the season.

Guardiola, meanwhile, gave a typically assured speech to announce his departure in front of several players who had gatecrashed the press conference.

The former Spain and Barcelona midfielder explained the fear of burnout was behind his decision to walk and insisted he would now be taking time away from coaching.

“I would like you to understand that this is not an easy decision for me. But I would like to explain my reasons for this decision,” he said. “I have always wanted short-term contracts. Four years is an eternity as Barca coach. In the month of October I announced to the president and to the sporting director I thought my spell was coming to an end.

“I have given everything and I have nothing left and need to recharge my batteries.

“The demands have been great and I have not been able to rest much. I have to recover and the only way I can do that is by distancing myself. Otherwise, we would have ended up damaging each other.

“I am very satisfied with the result we have achieved. I have had the great privilege of coaching fantastic players. I want to thank them. I don’t know what I will do now but I will not go straight to coaching.”

Guardiola’s final match is scheduled to be the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao next month.