Guardiola’s successor wants to strengthen barca’s defense

"We want to strengthen in defense. In recent years we have had problems in this area and have had to use players there who came from other positions," vilanova told the press in barcelona. The club will therefore not sign a new attacker for the coming season.

Vilanova signed a two-year contract to succeed pep guardiola, the most successful coach in the history of the catalan club. "I am proud to have been chosen to continue the winning ara of this club with dedicated players", declared the previous assistant.

Vilanova strongly denied rumors of an allegedly cooled relationship with his longtime friend guardiola. "Pep is a brother for me. We have worked together for five years," said the new coach. "There has never been an unkind word between us. No marriage could have been better."

In the spanish media it was speculated that the management of FC barcelona had decided behind guardiola’s back to make vilanova the head coach. Guardiola had assured in may, however, that he had personally communicated the appointment of vilanova to his successor. The new coach confirmed his deep respect for the predecessor: "I can not compare myself with him. I have lost in every respect."