Camp Nou sings "Guardiola Guardiola"

A multitude of thanks to Guardiola banners displayed in the Camp Nou.
The first out of the bench have been accompanied by applause.
Guardiola has restored the applause of the crowd.

The match against Málaga was a shock not only competitive tension, but one thing was right between the eyes the fans of Barça coach tuck. The Tonight was the first game of Guardiola at the Camp Nou since he announced in a news conference at the end of this season left the Barça bench.

For this reason, in the stands of Camp Nou could see many banners as a token of thanks to Guardiola to lead the ship masterfully Guardiola's first team. Banners in all languages ​​and all colors, but with a single message: Thanks Pep, and a very explicit: "You are the fucking master."

The audience also applauded Camp Nou in a very warm whenever Pep Guardiola left the bench to give instructions to his men. Party that has joined the rest Andoni Zubizarreta. Barça sporting director has interpreted the applause as "a tribute we owe. He knows he has the applause of all, but feel it is also physically very well."

And late in the second part in a new wave of applause, applause Guardiola has restored to the stands, on a night of great fellowship culé.

Guardiola: "The few criticisms are our success"

The Barcelona coach is proud of the team for the tension that keeps each game "when la Liga is already lost." "Barça have tried," he adds.

The Santpedor thanked the fans for the support it has given over the years and on Wednesday it has become more noticeable at the Camp Nou.

Josep Guardiola says that the great merit of FC Barcelona in recent years is the fact that it can not do too much blame in terms of game: "People are not stupid. If you see the computer keeps running no reproaches. our great success is that in so long there are few criticisms to make. Barça tried. "azulgrana coach has made this argument extensible records that have been achieved: "We've done continuously for so long ... this is the great goal we have achieved."

Santpedor The points to pride in seeing the stress that his players have remained on the pitch at the Camp Nou on Wednesday against Málaga: "It's never easy to maintain tension when the league is lost. We have returned to make a good game , people would have enjoyed it. Now wait the two remaining games, then we have a great objective of la Copa. "

On this Wednesday has been the penultimate match at the Camp Nou Josep Guardiola in front of the Barcelonista bench. That is why, during various times of the meeting, the public stage has devoted a standing ovation in recognition of his work. A gesture, such as that of Santpedor wanted to thank "all heart". "I've enjoyed living all these years, who have behaved very well," he added.

On what will be his replacement, Tito Vilanova, Guardiola has only spoken words of praise: "He's a fantastic person and with all the capabilities and more. He is intuitive, the home known since childhood, and has been here for many years. sure that will succeed with the help of all the club and the team. demonstrate that it is a good coach. "

Congratulating once again Real Madrid for his performance in la Liga and say that all white "is the right champion," The azulgrana coach commented that "this year have spent a lot of things that have been hidden by our silence but past. ""We have become a thirteen-point and there have been so much difference," he noted, just before clarify that "the links are very long and wins it deserves." On the penalties that have been whistled on Wednesday, Guardiola said: "We have two penalties whistled, and now no longer necessary, it is too late. Because when we had to do things we were ten points." (via FCBarcelona.cat)

Guardiola: “The transition has been impeccable”

Guardiola praised the way the Club handled the transition of managers. He also said that Tito is “very enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge”.

The manager explained that Barça’s last three La Liga matches will serve as preparation for the Cup final against Athletic Club.



Pep Guardiola reminded the press room that he has eight more press conferences, not counting today’s, as Barça’s head manager. The Barça boss used this Tuesday’s press conference to talk about the match against Málaga, how the team will prepare for the remaining matches of the season, and obviously, his departure. “The Club has handled the transition impeccably. Tito is very enthusiastic about the upcoming challenge,” said the Barça manager.

After last week’s announcement that Tito Vilanova will take over the Barça helm next season, Guardiola said: “my relationship with him hasn’t changed at all. We’re following our usual process and I’m by his side. I want Tito to know that I’ll be close to him.” At the same time, the manager said he’s worn down because of “the day to day [work] with the team, winning so many titles.” On his farewell at the Camp Nou - Barça’s next two games will be at home- Guardiola said: “I’ve always believed that things should be done naturally, that’s how we’ll do it.”

On the other hand, with the Liga out of reach, Guardiola recognized that Barça’s three remaining matches in the domestic competition will serve to prepare the team for the Cup final. “Each game and each training session is done in preparation for the Cup final. Everything is focused on that. Against Rayo the players proved that they’re eager,” he said. Guardiola went on to say that “I’m mentally prepared for the Cup final. It’s this month’s objective.”

Guardiola added, “we cannot play poorly in our next three matches and then go on to the final.” The manager also said that “Pinto will play” in the last three La Liga games and that he doesn’t want his players to obsess about Leo Messi’s fight for the Pichichi award. “We just have to play well and attack as best we can. We’re playing against good opponents, football will do the rest.” When asked if he would give Messi the Ballon d’Or again, the manager said “he’s done a brutal job this year” and, therefore, the Argentine’s merits “are evident.”

Guardiola's future

Pep Guardiola indicated that he does not know what the future holds for him after June 30. “I’m going to go home and I have no idea what my goal will be for the future. I don’t know,” he admitted. He also said that he doesn’t know if he’ll manage FC Barcelona again. (via FCBarcelona.com)

In Brazil dream of Guardiola as national team coach

The country of 'jogo bonito' dreams Guardiola as coach for the World-2014.
Different campaigns on Twitter and Facebook reflect the passion that awakens the Barça coach.

Since Pep Guardiola announced that Barça seguiríaen the bench next season, the successful coach is the raffle. A Pep deals have rained Italy and England, and now Brazil has also jumped on the bandwagon: the influential sports daily Lance! 'has initiated a macro-campaign for the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) as fiche as coach 'canarinho' for the World-2014.

After the farewell news conference of Pep, the country's leading sports daily front-page headline: "Open your eyes, CBF". The fans responded en masse through the online edition of the newspaper (LanceNet) adding to the request.

For Brazilians, Pep Guardiola could return to the 'Seleçao' spirit of play and attractive football and have always spectacular sense. After his last two failures in the South Africa World Cup-2010 and America-2011, where it went from room in the country of 'jogo bonito' it has opened an avenue of hope to achieve his dream of winning his sixth World Cup and also at home.

On the other hand, parallel to the initial campaign launched by 'Lance!' Internet and especially through social networks has created a strong current in favor of Pep takes over the Brazilian national team, replacing Mano Menezes criticized, as proposed by Racana not like football. And with the confirmation of the output of Barça coach, has created a profile on Facebook, "Guardiola to selection" which has more followers every day. The label on Twitter # guardiolanaselecao as is 'trending topic' in Brazil. (via MD)

The dismissal of Pep in Barça-Espanyol

Guardiola close his cycle at the Stadium against Espanyol, another incentive to not miss the appointment.

The timing would have it the last game of Josep Guardiola at the Camp Nou, in his first stint as coach of Barça, is a luxury: the Catalan derby against Espanyol on Saturday 5 May at 21.00. For the cocktail dress, a referee to rise to the occasion, Fernando Teixeira Vitienes.

Fernando, the eldest of the Teixeira saga was the one that upset the blaugrana on the Getafe match, if not pointed out to them a penalty and a goal annulled for offside in injury time and with 1-0 for the hosts. Also, is the braid that José Mourinho waited in the bowels of the Camp Nou at the end of the quarter-finals of the Cup Reu against Real Madrid which ended 2-2. 'Mou have you said it was "a scoundrel" and liked "fuck professionals."

There are aspects less rugged but equally morbid grace the game. The derby between Barça and Espanyol have recovered much of their rivalry in recent years. The balance between Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino at the Camp Nou this year is two wins for Santpedor (1-0 and 2-0) and one for the Santa Fe (1-2), and two draws and two Pep wins in Cornella-El Prat.

For the parrots were especially stung 1-5 of la Liga 2010-11, but in this championship took his revenge with a 1-1, controversy included: Turienzo Alvarez said not a penalty at the hands of Raúl Rodríguez in the discount.

No doubt those two points would have done well to Barça in the struggle for chaining a fourth title. A title that, depending on what happens in tomorrow's games (Barça, Málaga and Athletic Club - Real Madrid) may be awarded mathematically. Likewise, blanquiazules can get to the Stadium with no chance of qualifying for the Europa League next.

In any case, Barça-Espanyol seems a good match for Josep Guardiola last occupies the bench of the Camp Nou as a local technician, at least for now. Also, for the blaugrana fans come in droves to honor the coach and players after an intense season, which still remains to be played the final of the Copa del Rey and to close a period of legend.

The club intends to develop a tribute

Josep Guardiola knows that is not in favor of grand events, particularly when there are still games and titles on the line and the center of the tribute he is. But the reality of the calendar indicates that the derby on Saturday is the last opportunity for the Camp Nou to dismiss Pep and thank the team's success the past four years. Therefore, in Barça are considering the formula to give a tribute Guardiola sense and in line with what he has achieved for the institution but without disturbing the concentration of the team. For all, the best tribute is to win the derby against Espanyol and this is the main objective. With tomorrow's match against Málaga at stake in the club are managing time, aware that on Wednesday the stands will be a spontaneous tribute to Pep in the form of banners and chants. But that does not prevent the entity wishes to act more institutional channel where you can capture the appreciation of FC Barcelona. Of course, everything must be discussed and agreed with the coach and these are in 'can Barça'. (via SPORT)

Guardiola 150 games in the league meet on Wednesday against Málaga

Wednesday's match against Málaga at the Camp Nou, the first of the last three remaining to complete la Liga, shall be 150 coach who runs the competition from the first team.

Throughout these still 149 games in the regular competition, FC Barcelona 76.5% of total wins and only 7.4% of losses.

In the Camp Nou against Málaga is where Josep Guardiola will reach the 150 games in the league since he took over the bench the first team of FC Barcelona. One thing to remember more of the many Santpedor than on a bright stage will be completed by the end of the season. In the specific case of the regular competition, Guardiola added a total of 152 commitments, remain ahead of games against Malaga, Espanyol and Betis.

Guardiola ends his time as Barca coach at the fourth position of the more coaches league games club history, behind only Johan Cruyff (306), Marinus Michels (204), and Frank Rijkaard (190). A competition, la Liga, that the club has risen in three of the last four seasons, three with many points (87, 99 and 96). Throughout these still 149 games in the regular competition, the numbers of first team have been spectacular.

And is that Guardiola FC Barcelona, taking into account the 149 games played so far, amounts to some spectacular rates: 76.5% of wins, draws 16.1% and only 7.4% of losses. The figures in terms of goals are also printing: 402 for, for only 106 against. In short, some statistics that place it very highly compared to the Cruyff, Michels and Rijkaard. Only in the number of wins, for example, have a percentage of 59.8%, 51.4% and 59% respectively. (via FCBarcelona.cat)

These would be the data of the three other technical, more in detail:

Johan Cruyff: winning 59.8%, 22.5% and 17.6 draws defeats.

Marinus Michels: 51.4% of wins, draws and 25.5 to 23% of losses.

Frank Rijkaard: 59% of wins, draws 23.6% and 17.3% of losses.

International press hail Guardiola

The international media has been unanimous in its recognition and appreciation of Josep Guardiola after the manager announced that he will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season.

The international media has been unanimous in its recognition and appreciation of Josep Guardiola after the manager announced that he will leave FC Barcelona at the end of the season. The announcement was made this Friday during a joint press conference with President Sandro Rosell and football director Andoni Zubizarreta.

Writing for ESPN, Graham Hunter analyzes Guardiola’s trajectory at the Barça helm and traces the overall impact Guardiola has had on the sport: “That is to say anyone, at all, who loves soccer owes Pep Guardiola a debt for the style, the creativity, the thrills, the bravery and the inventiveness. Sure, Barca fans covet and treasure the trophies, but neutrals like the majority of us simply know that someone who revolutionized football has been among us for a short, dramatic space of time.”

Hunter goes on to make the case that Guardiola did, in fact, make the right decision to step aside after achieving unprecedented success in his relatively short tenure as Barça’s boss. “My view is that those who think that losing this season's Champions League semifinal and probably watching Madrid lift the title are reasons to delay departure are absolutely wrong,” writes Hunter. “[N]ow he has taken the correct decision ... Guardiola, in life as in football, sees things just a little differently. His decision to leave the club he passionately loves comes at a cost because sooner or later it will move him to tears. Count on that ... But he knows he has reached that moment in time that, if ignored, will bring errors, regret, ill health and possibly failure.”

Football writer and ESPN columnist Phil Ball explains how Guardiola raised his Club’s profile in the world of football: “it has been interesting to see just how the whole Barcelona image, internationally speaking, has changed since Guardiola took over back in June 2008. Before then, people were very aware of the club and its culture, of course. Now they're hyper-aware, not so much for the politico-cultural reasons but because of the footballing paradigm that Guardiola has helped create. Its impact has been massive, will continue to be, and the news last Friday that the architect of the edifice was not going to continue was akin to the resignation of a head of state.[...] He leaves on a wave of affection, but his departure should nevertheless mark a point of reflection for the club, and perhaps for La Liga in general.”

FULL: www.fcbarcelona.com

Guardiola: “Each game serves as preparation for the final”

The Barça manager is very pleased with the attitude of his players after the team beat Rayo Vallecano 7-0 at Vallecas. The manager says that the remaining games in La Liga will serve his team to prepare for the final of the King’s Cup on May 25th.

Guardiola praised Pinto’s performance: “Like always, he played very well”.



Josep Guardiola said that this Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano was “a demonstration” of what type of team Barça have been in recent years. “A football game is always useful for a lot of things. We know that Madrid are champions [of La Liga], and that this match was a demonstration of what this team is and have been. My players played a very serious game and they were on form throughout the whole match,” he said.

He added: “the team ran a lot, and they played a serious game against a team that’s fighting to stay in the Primera División. The players know that we’re preparing ourselves for a final and that everything has its worth. Every match counts.” Guardiola also said that his players are pleased after having scored seven goals in today’s game. “I have the impression that we have scored a lot of goals over the years. They are all welcome,” he said.

Pedro, with two goals, was one of Barça’s most lethal men in tonight’s match. The Barça manager highlighted the Spaniard’s performance: “I appreciate him a lot. We started in Third Division together, and I know him well. It’s true that his injuries have stopped him from playing more this season. I’m very pleased with his performance, for his two goals, and for the passes he gave. Also, for the way he moved on the pitch.”

He also talked about why he included José Manuel Pinto in today’s starting line-up: “if he’s on form he’ll play the final. Therefore, I prefer that he gets a bit of playing time on a pitch that’s not very easy to interpret. Like always, he played very well.”

On his decision to leave the Club next season, Guardiola said that Barça is his home: “it’s my home, and in the end I knew that it was over. The Club is healthy, and the team is young, Tito knows them perfectly and I’m convinced that Barça will compete for everything.”

Lastly, the Barça manager apologized to Rayo Vallecano’s fans for Thiago and Alves’ celebration after Barça’s fifth goal. “It won’t happen again,” said Guardiola. (via FCBarcelona.com)

Pep Guardiola: "Without me, Barça will continue to compete at the top"

Pep Guardiola admitted having lived a very quiet game and praised the team's attitude.

The first question to Pep Guardiola was on the performance of Pedro. "We started in third together. It is true that this year has had injury stoppages. I am very happy for his performance, beyond the two goals for how he has moved."

Declarations of Arsène Wenger to know his farewell, Pep was limited to "acknowledge the words of Arsenal." And it grieved him decide whether to leave the club added that "Barça is my home and realized that time was over and there is no getting around. It is a young team knows that Tito and I am convinced that Barça will continue to compete in the top ".

The coach lamented the goal celebration Thiago made ​​by the scorer and teammate Dani Alves, which Carles Puyol had to put an end. "There are acts of Barça players. We apologize to the fans of FC Barcelona. Not happen again."

For Guardiola, the game served to delay the alirón of Real Madrid. "A football game always goes a long way. We know that Madrid is champion, but this game is a demonstration of what this team has been a long time. Vallecas is a difficult but we played well. We are preparing for Calderon's final and we can not let go. why I am so happy with the performance of the players. "

For Pep, was a normal match. "We have prepared their best, but it was nothing special."

At the insistence of his farewell, Guardiola was adamant in stating that "I'm not dead. Will keep spinning around. But thank tests esteem."

Guardiola justified because on the bench he and Tito Vilanova had held so little goals. "We are pleased when we do so many goals, but with the League sentenced you take it more calmly. Also saw that the party was controlled."

On the ownership of Pinto, justified it by saying that "will play the Cup final because he led us there and I'd rather take the pitch, dynamics. Has been fantastic as always."

The statements of Karanka on his farewell, he lamented to classify them as "a no-brainer. La Liga existed before me and follow after me. Congratulations."

Finally, in response to an English journalist, Guardiola did not rule out going to train to England, but made clear, as Friday that it would be now, because today's off. (via SPORT)

Barça, Guardiola, Messi and Xavi, awarded by the IFFHS

The World gala awards ceremony will be held on Monday the 7 in Barcelona with the presence of most of the winners.

Lionell Messi (international top goalscorer), Iker Casillas (best goalkeeper), Xavi (best player), Pep Guardiola (best coach) and Barcelona (best club) will be the main winners of the gala of the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).

The World gala awards ceremony will be held next Monday in July in Barcelona with the presence of most of the winners at a ceremony to be chaired Mohammad Al Qassemi, new president of the IFFHS since November 2011.

Award also highlights the league championship first division in Spain as Liga strongest in the world, ahead of the Premier League.

Uruguay also will be awarded the Óscar Tabarez for best national coach, Hungarian Viktor Kassai as best referee and Latvian Trans Narva in his country, Alexsandrs Cekulajevs, top scorer in a league championship.

This last award is different from Messi, who is rewarded for his goals with the Argentina national team and international goals for his club.

They will receive a gold trophy while the runners in each category will receive silver. There will also be prizes for the best in the first decade of XXI century in each category and for the most popular players last year.

The runners-up in 2011 are Vicente del Bosque (coach), Manuel Neuer, Bayern Munich (goalkeeper), Leo Messi (best player), Colombian Radamel Falcao, his goals in the national team, Porto and Atlético Madrid and the Portuguese José Mourinho (coach).

The second top goalscorer in Liga is Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish first division, second best club is Real Madrid, the second best league is the English and the second best referee in English Howard Webb, one year before, in 2010 , refereed the World Cup final South Africa won Spain.

Of the eighteen awards, nine and nine seconds, seven are for Spanish. Del Bosque, Casillas, Xavi and Guardiola receive it at the individual and these are added the awards for Barcelona, Real Madrid and la Liga First Division.

The awards for the best in the decade 2001-2010 are for Markus Merk (best referee), Arsen Wenger (coach), Gianluigi Buffon (goalkeeper), Ruud van Nistelrooy (scorer in international matches), Barcelona (club) and Shakhtar Donestsk Ukrainian as a club that has progressed in the decade.

There are also awards for best club of its continents for Barcelona (Europe), Boca Juniors (South America) América of Mexico (CONCACAF), Al-Ahly of Egypt (Africa), Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia (Asia) and Auckland City new Zealand (Oceania).

The prizes for the most popular players confederations in 2011 correspond to the Italian Roma, Francesco Totti, Manchester United Mexican Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, Eduardo Jesús Vargas of the Universidad de Chile, and Harold Kewell (Oceania), Yasser Al Qahtani (Asia) and Nadir Lamyaghri (Africa). (via SPORT)

Karanka: "La liga española has existed without Guardiola and will exist without him"

The second coach of Real Madrid, Aitor Karanka, said at a news conference that nothing happens why Guardiola leave the Liga BBVA: "La liga española has existed without Guardiola and will exist without him."

Aitor Karanka, second coach of Real Madrid, left no praise for Pep Guardiola, after announcing his farewell to the bench of Barcelona, ​​and reminded just their numbers, and said it does not arise for now emulate Tito Vilanova to be the future replacement of José Mourinho when you leave.

"La liga española has existed without Guardiola and will exist without him," said Karanka after being asked if Spanish football was down by the farewell of a coach who has achieved more titles in the history of Barcelona.

"The numbers all over the world judge. His four years and their numbers are there. The league will exist with or without him, equally with Mourinho or not. Has gone and is history," he added.

Karanka made ​​it clear that continues to learn from Mourinho and his assistants. On his head does not pass the option to be first coach of Real Madrid.

"Right now I think he's looking towards next year at the club and I have clear that I am working with the coach and his coaching staff for two years, with each passing day I learn more from them. For my head passes enjoy and continue to learn from the coaching staff without plantearme else, "he said. (via SPORT)

Bielsa: "What Guardiola has done is unforgettable"

The Argentinean recognizes that the output of Guardiola is a "capital loss for football." Athletic coach did not want to assess their possible relationship with the azulgrana bench.

Athletic Club coach, Marcelo Bielsa, has described the progress of the Barcelona Pep Guardiola announced yesterday by the Catalan coach as a "capital loss for the stage of football"

"It's a personal decision, obviously, not for me to interpret, but their loss is capitalized because their presence gave luster to the sport. What he did is unforgettable and not to remain, one loss," has affected the Rosario.

Bielsa has refused to evaluate his name was one of the most sounded in recent weeks to relieve Guardiola on the bench at the Camp Nou before the club azulgrana said it would be the new coach Tito Vilanova next season.

"That is hypothetical and never talk about these issues" has settled Bielsa, who can not "imagine" that the output of Guardiola can have any influence in the final of Copa del Rey which will face Athletic and Barça on 25 May and will be the last game Santpedor technician in front of your computer. (via AS)

Cruyff blesses the choice of Tito Vilanova

It assures that it was "excellent solution" in the Greek newspaper 'Sportday' and 'do not know if it closes a cycle with Guardiola's farewell. "
According to the 'thin', "you never know until you spend a few years and see if this time a team does not win titles."

"I do not know if it closes a cycle with Guardiola's farewell, you never know if this happens to take a few years and see if this time a team does not win titles," says Johan Cruyff told the Greek newspaper 'Sportday' , made ​​a special envoy of the publication in Barcelona between last Tuesday and Wednesday, when Pep met with Sandro Rosell and decided to leave the azulgrana bench.

In his conversation with 'Sportday', published today, ex player, ex coach and ex honorary president of the club blaugrana and prophesied that Tito Vilanova could be the relay Guardiola: "Barça has a different philosophy as far as coaches are concerned . they are not the most important election, but the players who are playing, those who win and lose. But the coach has to watch football in the same way. So Vilanova, if he would like to try, would an excellent solution for the Barcelona bench. " (via MD)

Puyol: "Tito is the best news"

The Barça captain has revealed the players’ satisfaction at Tito Vilanova’s appointment: “He knows the team and our philosophy better than anybody and has been working alongside Guardiola the whole time”.

Puyol went on to add: “He’s the ideal person to take this project forward”.

Puyol believes that Josep Guardiola "has marked a ‘before and after’ in football”.

Carles Puyol spoke at a press conference on Saturday which was, obviously, dominated by the news that Josep Guardiola is standing down as first team manager to be replaced by Tito Vilanova. He confirmed that the players “wanted Pep to continue” but on learning of his decision and the reasons behind it, he explained: “The fact that Tito will be the manger is the best news we could get. He’s the continuation of a project and has the support of all the players”.

Puyol also expressed his agreement with the thinking behind the choice of Tito Vilanova: “He knows the team and our philosophy better than anybody. He knows a great deal about football and has worked hand in hand with Pep all this time. It’ll be more or less the same as it has been up to now. The philosophy and the idea will be the same. He’s the ideal person to take this project forward”.

As for the mood of the players now that they know Guardiola is stepping aside, Puyol spoke mainly of gratitude: “We’ll be eternally grateful to him. He has marked a ‘before and after’ in football, and that’s really important. He’s given us so much, more than we could have imagined. Things like always going out to win, having great respect for opponents…Now life goes on and we will try and follow the path he has marked out for us and to do as good a job as he has done”.

Puyol also revealed how the players had heard the news: “If you’d asked us before the Chelsea match, we’d have said he was going to continue. After having two days off and, given everything that has been coming out, we were expecting it yesterday. We players have tried in our day to day work and attitude to get him to continue. We’ve given our all. But when the pressure is like he’s explained, it’s difficult. It must be really hard to be a manager, and even more so the way he lives it. He thinks about football 24 hours a day”.

Asked by reporters what he would most remember about Guardiola, Puyol didn’t hesitate a moment: “I’ll remember everything he’s given us. His way of understanding football. He’s left behind a legendary team that will be remembered for ever. I hope he gets the send-off he deserves, for everything he’s given us. The players are united and keen to take this project forward”.

Finally, turning to this Sunday’s match against Rayo, Puyol told reporters. “They will be motivated to win the match, the same as us. We’ll try and do a good job, get out there on the pitch the way we’ve always done and then we’ll see what happens”.

"Messi is very grateful to the boss"

Regarding Lionel Messi’s absence from the press conference in which Guardiola announced his departure, Puyol insisted: “I want to clear up what’s been said. When training finished yesterday, we got together and said that the four captains would go. Leo wanted to go but on seeing that the captains were going, he took a step back. Then more players appeared by their own volition. Leo is very grateful to the boss, just like all the squad, and if there’s a farewell do then we’ll all be there, because we’ll all 100% behind him”. (via FCBarcelona.com)

The team knew the appointment of Tito Vilanova by Zubizarreta

Pep did not skip the hierarchy: the coach announces the coach.
Zubi said the captains in Sant Joan Despi, after Pep talk.

The squad barcelonista yesterday heard the name of the successor of Pep Guardiola. The coach still explained his decision not to continue in office, but omitted the information regarding the succession.

Andoni Zubizarreta broke the news to the captains before heading to the Camp Nou. The captains subsequently communicated to all staff. Guardiola wanted to be scrupulous to a group that has felt very close and would not do something that belonged to Zubi.

Pep of his players said in a press conference in which he explained his motivations for leaving, "I have been privileged to train them. I have actually enjoy this job and I appreciate that there have been millions of plays and parties that have made reality. not know the pleasure of imagining a play and every day them come true. "

The coach also highlighted what will the years on the bench for first team: "I get the many emotions and details and have lived the good and bad times. Displays of affection are very large these days. I remembered Abidal, Keita, who has been my thermometer ... all these years. "

At the news conference yesterday in the press room at the Camp Nou Maxenchs Ricard, smaller than the Sala Paris, which was introduced four years ago, Guardiola was wrapped by the captains of the workforce, besides the two homegrown who came with him and stayed Segunda B, Sergio Busquets and Pedro, and Cesc and Piqué, former pupils of Vilanova. So was Messi, who nevertheless was not yesterday, apparently because of a misunderstanding. "Leo? Is here," said Pep.

Also most of the board, in addition to soccer training coach, Guillermo Amor, Guardiola also supported the day he announced his farewell, in addition to one of the most important of his career, his agent, Josep Maria Orobitg, agent also Tito. (via MD)

The Keys of wear of Pep Guardiola as the coach of Barça

The technical staff feared that ceased to believe in him disgust.
It has kept the group stressed to the max and relentlessly for four years.

Throughout the season, Pep Guardiola has explained in several ways. For active, passive, more clearly, inline or by reference to the 'Panxa plena' (full belly), a metaphor for the many titles won the previous three years.

In all these ways the coach has tried to explain the difficulty of keeping on top the tension of a unique group, a tension that has been as important as the talent to build the best four years of the history of the Barça. In this difficulty is, above all, the main motivation of the technician to decide to leave a job with which had dreamed.

These are not fights, arguments or hard feelings that it has had persistent Pep in previous seasons, for example, Eto'o and Ibrahimovic, but some disparity of opinion expressed by major players point of the template, which in 2008 almost kissed the ground she walked by the coach. The infatuation of the early years is not so pure.

Guardiola has been explaining those feelings you have over several interviews, such as that given to Rai for the centenary of Brescia a little over a year, which aroused great controversy. In it, Pep and warned that it was closer to the end than the beginning. And alluding to wear of personal relationships: "Over time, players get tired of one," he said. And there have been other episodes, which may one day transcend, reflecting the weariness.

Manage that fatigue is what Pep does not feel strong enough to do. Vilanova, yes, because it is worn as your 'boss' and friend. Guardiola had to make decisions, perhaps painful, Tito probably find a way to prevent.

Vilanova has intact the deposit of its ability to convince a group some of whose pieces major-Messi included-trained when they were cadets. Pep, however, and used his power of seduction.

Guardiola, in short, has been detected this year than the belly, indeed, is full. The attitude has been good, but the need, insufficient. And that has come to help the small details crashing in the post

Guardiola said he left Barça to rest, as explained at length, not to undertake another adventure football. The Barcelona coach said "not interested" what their activity. The Santpedor remained enigmatic about his future but his words will not train shows that, despite the offers that drive, especially English teams and English Federation itself. (via MD)

Valentí Guardiola: "We learned practically yesterday"

Valentí Guardiola has said in the program 'The tribe of Catalunya Radio', which after his sonthe decision of not to continue as head of the staff of the Barça" are now calmer. There are difficult days because we have learned practically yesterday. When I insinuábamos, and we did a few times, we cleared and no longer insisted nothing. "

On the possibility of entrerarse Pep's decision through the media Valentí says, "His mother told him the day we're clear what we would like comunicases before we have to find out on the radio and television. This has been done "

In this sense, the father believes that "The feelings are mixed a bit. First, sorry for all these years we have enjoyed and suffered, but also sad because there are thousands and thousands of people who were very fond of our son. We also have a relax because now we have no concern if the team played badly. "

Valentí reconce suffering "because we knew how he lived all this of Barça since he was thirteen and as suffering if things went well. Pep know more or know less, but gives everything." (via MD)

Messi too emotional to watch Pep farewell

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi says he felt far too emotional to face the media glare at coach Pep Guardiola's farewell announcement.

"I want to thank Pep with all my heart for everything he has given me in my professional career and personally," the 24-year-old Argentinian said on his Facebook page on Friday.

"Because of the emotions I feel, I preferred not to be present at Pep's press conference and to stay away from the press because I know they will look for the pain on the players' faces.

"It is something I decided not to show."

Del Bosque: "Pep Guardiola has made a decision from the heart and I wish him well"

The coach Vicente del Bosque has been reported in Pedro Bernardo (Ávila) to Pep Guardiola progress alluding to is a "personal decision" that he understands: "The decision-understand and I wish him well."

Del Bosque has made these statements to journalists during the visit he made to this town of about 1,000 inhabitants, located south of the province of Ávila, where he has been invited by the Council to meet these people and participate in a talk.

The national team has done a tour of this town known as "El balcón del Tiétar" and signed in the Book of the City, referred to farewell Guardiola, without going into too much detail because it is "a personal decision ". "What you do is well done," he added, and then, after being asked if he understands the decision made by saying: "Of course I understand and I wish him well." "It has taken a decision as barcelonista and nothing but accept what he has done, because he has done from the heart and from what he thinks is best for him and for Barcelona," has held national football coach, after City Council receive a gift with typical local products. On the contrary, has refused to comment on the appointment of Tito Vilanova as his successor in office, because he said not to be "no one to enter the clubs own decisions."

As to whether the elimination of Barça and Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Champions benefit or harm the Spanish National Team, Vicente del Bosque has been emphatic in stating that "undoubtedly damaging" to the national team. "I wish I would have continued and both teams have played in the final," he argued Del Bosque, who considered that both teams "have deserved it."

It has also considered a "surprise" that this would not have occurred because his point of view "are the best." In his opinion, "not the same train to let go during the season, to be ready until the last day to the final of the Champions", reflected on the impact that the elimination of Madridistas and barcelonistas in this international competition on Selecting performance. (via SPORT)

[Ex president] Gaspart: "As culé do not like to go Guardiola"

The ex FC Barcelona president Joan Gaspart talked about Pep Guardiola's farewell of the direction blaugrana coach.

Gaspart analyzed the story from both sides and both with different sensations. "As a ex president and as an ex vice-president of Barça: I understand. I know very well and understand that Pep has made a decision he thinks is good for the club and for him. As culé and is different: I do not like. I like to think that more than 120 years of history of Barca, is the first time in history that a coach leaves us, without us the Catalans want to leave us, "he told the microphones of COPE Barcelona.

The president calls for respect for Pep's successor, Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova. And he was not overly compare Guardiola: "The new coach Tito Vilanova is Pep Guardiola / TitoVilanova. Will the new coach will have its own personality. And Guardiola certainly want your friend Tito Vilanova if anything even better coach than him. " (via SPORT)