They backed new manager Tito Vilanova to sustain the success that Barca enjoyed under departed boss Pep Guardiola. Citing stress and fatigue, Guardiola leapt off the hot-seat at the end of the season, ending a four-year run that saw the club win 14 major trophies. He plans to take a year-long sabattical before returning to the game. Vilanova worked under Guardiola for the last five years, and he knows the secret to the club's winning ways.
Sky Sports reports Messi told Sport that he hopes things will stay the same even though Guardiola's long-time assistant is now in charge.
"I am staying at Barcelona and I hope that everything will be the same without Pep," Messi said. "Tito has a completely different personality, but I hope that he remains in charge for a long time. That would mean things are going well."
Another of the club's iconic players, Xavi, spoke of his surpise at April's dramatic events. Guardiola's departure caught the players off guard. Vilanova's hiring was a surprise as well. The managers' job at Barcelona is one of world soccer's most demanding. Vilanova reportedly suffered from a serious stomach illness last season, and also had surgery to remove a tumor from his jaw in November. Xavi told Canal+ that he did not expect Vilanova to have such a prominent role so soon, according to FIFA.com.
"I was very surprised by Pep leaving, but when he explained it all to us, you understand," he said. "The naming of Tito also surprised me, more than anything because what had happened with his illness, but looking at the decision, I think it was treated in the best way possible.
"This team has to continue for a few more years winning titles and we don't have to change the form of coaching."
FC Barcelona is entering a new era with an old guard. If Vilanova sticks to the same principles, there's no reason to think the club will not remain among the world's elite teams.
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