The legend of Pep Guardiola continues as he was named the best manager of 2011, ahead of José Mourinho (Real Madrid), last year’s winner, and Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United).
Guardiola, who was recently named the world’s best manager by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), picks up yet another acknowledgement to his brilliant career. Guardiola has already won 13 out 16 possible titles with FC Barcelona, 5 of which were won in 2011.
Upon receiving the award, Josep Guardiola started by saying that he wanted to share the award with the other two shortlisted finalists, Mourinho and Ferguson. He also made special mention of the “thousands of people that have worked for FC Barcelona over the past 100 years.” He went on to say that “it’s an enormous privilege to be part of this group of people.”
However, the most important dedication was for Guardiola’s assistant coach, Tito Vilanova:
“From the bottom of my heart I want to dedicate this award to Tito Vilanova, my friend, colleague and assistant. Even though you aren’t around much these days, you’re always there. This is for you, kid!”