Not sure why this had not happened before today, but Tito Vilanova this morning signed a two-year contract to manage Barcelona.
Vilanova takes over from Pep Guardiola who announced in April that he would be leaving Barca this summer following four trophy-laden years at the Nou Camp. The 42-year-old Vilanova was Guardiola’s assistant.
Vilanova, having been named as Barca’s new coach when Guardiola announced his decision to step down, was formally confirmed in the post on Wednesday and today signed his contract at the office of Barca president Sandro Rosell.
A statement on the Barcelona website confirmed:
“Vilanova has signed his new contract as first-team coach until June 30, 2014 in front of president Rosell, sporting vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu, sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta and the coach’s representative.
“At this same act, Jordi Roura has signed his new contract as assistant coach of the first team, and Aureli Altimira as fitness coach.
“With Tito Vilanova on the bench of the first team, the continuity of a model of play that is recognised throughout the world is assured. Girona-born Vilanova becomes the 16th Catalan coach in the club’s history.”