Audio By Carbonatix
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will not continue as coach of the Spanish club after this season, and his assistant Tito Vilanova will take over.
Guardiola's contract ends at the close of the season and the former player rejected Barcelona's offer to extend his deal. His last game in charge will be the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao on May 25.
"The reason is simple, four years are long and they wear you down," Guardiola said on Friday after club president Sandro Rosell announced he would not continue. "I think that sincerely that the next person will have things to bring that can't.
"Every day during four years, the demands are very high, the pressure, the necessary energy to push the players and enjoy it. I need to rest and move away."
Rosell said Vilanova, who has served as Guardiola's assistant since he was promoted from B-team manager, would take over the coaching duties.
The 41-year-old coach has led Barcelona to 13 trophies since replacing Frank Rijkaard at the beginning of the 2008-09 season, including two Champions League crowns and three Spanish league titles.
Guardiola's decision ends a difficult week for the team that saw it exit the Champions League semi-finals to Chelsea following a loss to Real Madrid which will likely cost it a fourth straight Spanish title.
"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."
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Vice President visits Sports Ministry to strengthen coordination, oversee 2026 plans
3 hours -
Harry says sacrifices by Nato troops in Afghanistan deserve ‘respect’
4 hours -
CHRAJ urges Ofori-Atta to return, assures intervention in case of unfair trial
4 hours -
Felicia Anthonio: A global voice shaping the future of digital rights and internet freedom
4 hours -
Daddy Lumba left no will – High Court
4 hours -
3 foreigners remanded, one granted bail in Kasoa kidnapping, fraud case
4 hours -
There was no problem with NPP’s peace pact; Ken Agyapong wanted assurance – Osei Owusu
4 hours -
Aseidu Nketia has made the NDC more attractive – Osei Owusu
5 hours -
Driver’s licences to expire on holders’ birthdays – DVLA
5 hours -
Dr Bryan Acheampong signed in my place; three PhD holders signed without reading peace pact – Ken Agyapong
5 hours -
Begging for wedding money shows you are not ready for marriage – Duncan-Williams
6 hours -
Road crashes drop when safety campaigns are intensified – Abraham Amaliba
6 hours -
Typographical error delayed signing of NPP peace pact – Acting Chairman
6 hours -
Newsfile to discuss transport fares & fuel prices, NPP presidential primaries, and Ofori-Atta & Sedina saga
7 hours -
Tourism Ministry mourns gospel icon Yaw Sarpong, soloist Maame Tiwaa
7 hours
