Sports / Soccer
Guardiola quits Barcelona
28 Apr 2012 at 10:14hrs | Views
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola has announced that he will quit the club at the end of the season.
His assistant, Tito Vilanova, has been appointed as his successor.
Guardiola, who was appointed Barcelona Manager in 2008 after guiding the Catalan Side's B side has enjoyed great success at the Camp Nou winning thirteen trophies in three seasons.
Under Guardiola, Barcelona won the Premira Liga in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the UEFA Champions League in 2009 and 2011 among other trophies.
Of the two occasions the 41 year old manager failed to win the Champions League, his side lost in the semi-finals, the latest of which came this week when London giants Chelsea caused a major upset by snatching a 2-all draw at the Camp Nou for 3-2 aggregate victory.
Despite the massive success, Guardiola had been signing one year contracts since his appointment.
Following a week in which Barca suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid - effectively ceding the title to their rivals - and then a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, Guardiola told the board that he was not prepared to extend his contract.
The players were informed of his decision during training this Friday morning and a formal announcement followed in a press conference attended by Guardiola and the squad.
At the press conference, Guardiola dismissed suggestions he could take another job this coming season.
His assistant, Tito Vilanova, has been appointed as his successor.
Guardiola, who was appointed Barcelona Manager in 2008 after guiding the Catalan Side's B side has enjoyed great success at the Camp Nou winning thirteen trophies in three seasons.
Under Guardiola, Barcelona won the Premira Liga in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and the UEFA Champions League in 2009 and 2011 among other trophies.
Of the two occasions the 41 year old manager failed to win the Champions League, his side lost in the semi-finals, the latest of which came this week when London giants Chelsea caused a major upset by snatching a 2-all draw at the Camp Nou for 3-2 aggregate victory.
Despite the massive success, Guardiola had been signing one year contracts since his appointment.
Following a week in which Barca suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Real Madrid - effectively ceding the title to their rivals - and then a 3-2 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals, Guardiola told the board that he was not prepared to extend his contract.
The players were informed of his decision during training this Friday morning and a formal announcement followed in a press conference attended by Guardiola and the squad.
At the press conference, Guardiola dismissed suggestions he could take another job this coming season.
Source - zbc
