Guardiola: Barca will still be a force
30 April 2012 04:24
Pep Guardiola has assured Barcelona fans they will continue to excel under Tito Vilanova, after their 7-0 rout of Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.
The Catalan boss announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the campaign with his assistant being immediately confirmed as his successor, and after the match at Estadio del Rayo Vallecano, he stated his belief that the team will realise their vast potential under his right-hand man.
"This team is young, Tito knows the players well and I'm confident that Barcelona will continue to be competitive (under him)," he told reporters.
"I'm grateful for all the praise in response to my departure, although I didn't pass away. I'll still be around."
Guardiola apologised for his side's reaction to their fifth goal in the La Liga clash, as Thiago Alcantara and Dani Alves danced arrogantly.
"We, as a club, apologise for the celebration, as it did not reflect the attitude of Barca players. It won't happen again," he said.
However, the former Spain midfielder was full of praise for second-string goalkeeper Jose Pinto and winger Pedro, with the latter making an emphatic return to form with two goals and two assists against the La Liga strugglers.
"If Pinto doesn't get injured, he'll play in the Copa del Rey final," Guardiola said.
"He helped us to get to the final for the third time in four years.
"I am also very happy with Pedro's performance. He is one of my favourite players as we started out together in the fourth division."
Barcelona remain seven points behind Real Madrid at the La Liga summit with three matches remaining.
