President Sandro Rosell has announced that Tito Vilanova will be the next manager of the Barça first team, replacing Josep Guardiola. Francesc “Tito” Vilanova i Bayó has been Guardiola’s assistant throughout his four years in charge of the first team.

Andoni Zubizarreta explained that “when Pep told us in October that he was thinking about not continuing with the Club, looking for a substitute was a big challenge, the decision was made after multiple reflections. The most important, keeping the team competitive. Tito Vilanova represents the game, the analysis, the planning, the commitment and the personality.”

Guardiola had words of praise for FC Barcelona’s future manager: “Expect the best. I believe that the Club made the best choice. He’s a capable person, and the players know him. He’ll give to the Club and the players what I can no longer give.” Guardiola explained that when he talked to Tito about the job, he only told him one thing: “If you feel ready, don’t doubt, go for it. They are offering you the chance to be Barça’s manager. Every manager in the world would want this job.” Guardiola also said that he will not intervene in Vilanova’s future decisions, “I’m leaving. I’m stepping to the side. The players trained like beasts. It’s the best sign that we are in good hands.”

Source: fcbarcelona.cat