Vilanova made it clear that he keeps an “extraordinary relationship” with his predecessor and would not have taken the job had he not had his support.
Sitting before the Barcelona faithful in a suit and tie, Vilanova was overwhelmed by questions about Guardiola. He was accompanied by team president Sandro Rossell and athletic director Andoni Zubizarreta.
“It’s such an honor to have been chosen to continue the most successful stretch in the history of the club, with the players fully committed,” Vilanova said. “I accept the challenge and feel prepared.”
The relationship between Vilanova and Guardiola is so strong that he even hinted that he would not have taken the job if Guardiola had gone to another team.
“We get along great,” he added. “Our relationship is perfect. There is a friendship between our families. The first thing I said to Zubizarreta was if there was the smallest change that Pep was not okay with the choice, there was no reason to talk.”
Vilanova spoke to Guardiola, and it was made clear to him that the resignation and nothing to do with Barcelona’s elimination form the UEFA Champions League. Guardiola called Vilanova into his office and said he wanted to rest. Vilanova would be the choice to be his successor.
“I was surprised, I had no idea,” Vilanova said. “The next day, when Pep told the president his choice, that’s when I was offered the job. I asked for a couple days to decide because I also was tired and had personal situations to deal with.”
He refused to talk about Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho at the presentation, saying it was not the right time. This comes after the episode that occurred at the previous Supercopa (where Mourinho poked Vilanova in the eye).
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