London: Spanish football club Barcelona’s most successful manager Pep Guardiola on Friday confirmed he is quitting at the end of the season and the club appointed his assistant Tito Vilanova as his successor.
Guardiola, a former Barca player, has enjoyed a great four-year tenure at the Nou Camp. Under his leadership, Barca won the league title in 2009, 2010 and 2011, Champions League in 2009 and 2011 and the Copa del Rey in 2009.
The decision to quit comes after the Spanish giants were dumped out of the Champions League semi-final by Chelsea Tuesday and also losing to bitter rivals Real Madrid at home Saturday to end all hopes of retaining the league title.
Guardiola’s last match at the helm of the Catalan club will be the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao May 25. His contract ends at the end of the season and he rejected Barcelona’s offer to extend his tenure.
“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,” British media quoted Guardiola as saying while announcing his decision at a news conference at Nou Camp as players Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique watched on. Lionel Messi was not there.
“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 (Sandro Rosell) and to the sporting director that I thought my spell was coming to an end.
Guardiola said that working at Barca had taken its toll on him and he needed a break. He also thanked the club and players for their support.
“The main reason why I have taken this decision is because four years is many years.
“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 know that I’m leaving the best place to work in. 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’m very sorry for all of the uncertainty I created over this time over my future, maybe that was an error of mine,” Guardiola said. “I didn’t mean to create this kind of mood.” Guardiola played as a defensive midfielder and spent the majority of his playing career in Barcelona. He was part of Dutchman Johan Cruyff’s dream team that won Barcelona’s first European Cup. (IANS)