Guardiola: I need a rest

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola today announced he would be standing down at the end of the season to “recharge his batteries” with his assistant Tito Vilanova confirmed as his replacement.

Guardiola, who has presided over a period of unprecedented success at the Nou Camp – the club have claimed 13 trophies in his four years at the helm, admitted he has been pondering his future for some time.