Barcelona announced the unfortunate departure of head coach Tito Vilanova after the 44 year old decided to take a break from football to continue his fight against cancer.
Barcelona head coach Tito Vilanova has stepped down from his post as his health continues to be a growing concern.
Barcelona called for an unexpected press conference at 7:30pm BST on Friday when President Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta addressed the media announcing Tito’s imminent departure.
Vilanova served assistant to Barcelona’s most successful manager Pep Guardiola, before replacing his friend at the Camp Nou in 2012. In his sole season as head coach, the former Barcelona B coach guided the Catalans to their 22nd league title.
However his deteriorating health resulted in him missing lengthy spells last season, after he suffered a relapse of the parotid gland cancer he had just recovered from. On his return Tito revealed that he would consider stepping down from his post, if his health did not improve.
During his absence Barcelona assistant manager Jordi Roura took over the managerial duties and owing to Barcelona’s policy of promoting from within the 45 year old is widely tipped to take over the vacant post.
Former Girona boss Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, or 'Rubi’ as he is referred to, recently joined the Barcelona backroom team and is another leading candidate for the Barcelona hot seat.
However should Barcelona seek a high profile signing, they have a number of options to choose from. Jupp Heynckes who declared his attention of never coaching again after guiding Bayern Munich to a historical treble last season, might be lured by the prospect of managing one of the most talented sides in the world.
Jurgen Klopp is another candidate who could do a commendable job with the Blaugrana side. As opposed to his former rival and departing Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, at 46 years of age Klopp can serve as a long term successor.
The Borrusia Dortmund manager who shares a similar ideology to that followed at Barcelona can ensure that the club can continue to grow from strength to strength and can further remain true to its principles.
Barcelona called for an unexpected press conference at 7:30pm BST on Friday when President Sandro Rosell and sports director Andoni Zubizarreta addressed the media announcing Tito’s imminent departure.
Vilanova served assistant to Barcelona’s most successful manager Pep Guardiola, before replacing his friend at the Camp Nou in 2012. In his sole season as head coach, the former Barcelona B coach guided the Catalans to their 22nd league title.
However his deteriorating health resulted in him missing lengthy spells last season, after he suffered a relapse of the parotid gland cancer he had just recovered from. On his return Tito revealed that he would consider stepping down from his post, if his health did not improve.
During his absence Barcelona assistant manager Jordi Roura took over the managerial duties and owing to Barcelona’s policy of promoting from within the 45 year old is widely tipped to take over the vacant post.
Former Girona boss Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, or 'Rubi’ as he is referred to, recently joined the Barcelona backroom team and is another leading candidate for the Barcelona hot seat.
However should Barcelona seek a high profile signing, they have a number of options to choose from. Jupp Heynckes who declared his attention of never coaching again after guiding Bayern Munich to a historical treble last season, might be lured by the prospect of managing one of the most talented sides in the world.
Jurgen Klopp is another candidate who could do a commendable job with the Blaugrana side. As opposed to his former rival and departing Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, at 46 years of age Klopp can serve as a long term successor.
The Borrusia Dortmund manager who shares a similar ideology to that followed at Barcelona can ensure that the club can continue to grow from strength to strength and can further remain true to its principles.
