Guardiola calls time on Barcelona reign
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, April 28, 2012
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| Barcelona's coach Pep Guardiola ponders during a news conference at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona April 27, 2012. Barcelona's most successful manager Pep Guardiola will walk away from the Catalans at the end of the season, the club announced on Friday. [Photo/Agencies] |
Following a glittering four-year spell at the helm, Josep Guardiola has announced his decision to leave his post as coach of FC Barcelona at the end of the season.
Guardiola's decision to step aside to rest and recuperate brings to an end a four-year tenure during which he led the Catalans to 13 trophies, including two Champions League triumphs and three straight Spanish La Liga titles.
The announcement yesterday at an emotional news conference at the Nou Camp, with Guardiola flanked by President Sandro Rosell and Sporting Director Andoni Zubizarreta, came after months of speculation over the 41-year-old's future.
It was also three days after his team was denied a place in the Champions League final by Chelsea in a spectacular match and followed last weekend's 1-2 La Liga defeat at home to rival Real Madrid that all-but ended its hopes of a fourth title in a row.
"Four years is an eternity for a coach of Barcelona," Guardiola said as stony-faced first-team players, including Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, and Carles Puyol looked on.
"Four years wear you down and that's the fundamental reason," the former midfielder added.
"The person who'll occupy my place will give something that I cannot, because being here for four years is hard, the demands are very high and you have to be very strong.
"When I started out I thought I could achieve everything and that's what I want to get back."
Rosell and Zubizarreta said they had promoted Vilanova, who had an undistinguished career as a player but has been a crucial part of Guardiola's coaching success, because he was well placed to protect his close friend's legacy.
The pair were contemporaries at Barcelona's famed 'La Masia' youth academy and Vilanova was also Guardiola's assistant in his first coaching role in charge of the club's B team.
"Personality, integrity, commitment to the club and inside knowledge," Zubizarreta said when quizzed about why Vilanova was a good candidate.
Guardiola had previously renewed his Barcelona contract on an annual basis and waited until February 8 last year before agreeing a new deal.
He went on to capture a third consecutive La Liga title and a second Champions League crown, as well as the Spanish and European Super Cups and the Club World Cup thanks to a fluid passing style.
Known as a superb motivator, he has managed to get the very best out of hugely-gifted players like Argentina forward Lionel Messi, winner of the last three World Player of the Year awards.
"I want to thank Pep with all my heart for the huge amount he has contributed to my career, both professionally and personally," Messi said in a statement on his Facebook page. The 24-year-old added that he had preferred not to attend Guardiola's farewell news conference as he was feeling too emotional.
Guardiola hinted he would be taking a break from the game but a host of suitors will be queuing up to persuade him to return. Inter Milan, Manchester City and Chelsea are among the clubs to have been linked with the sharp-suited Catalan.
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