Madrid – Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola will leave at the end of this season after deciding not to extend his contract, it was announced on Friday.
“Pep Guardiola will not continue as coach next season,” Barca President Sandro Rosell told a news conference.
“Thank you for your work and your love.”
Guardiola, who wants to recharge his batteries, added: “I'm sorry for the confusion in recent weeks. I've always wanted short contracts because the demands at Barcelona are so big.
“Now we were out of the two main competitions, it was a good time to announce it.
“The reason is simple. Four years, that gets everyone tired. The new coach will give things that I can't give anymore.”
Barca were knocked out of the Champions League as holders by Chelsea in the semi-finals on Tuesday while Real Madrid are likely to steal their La Liga title in the coming weeks.
Pep Guardiola's assistant Tito Vilanova will take over as Barcelona coach next season.
“We chose Tito because he represents the idea and the image,” sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta told a news conference at the Nou Camp. “He has commitment and personality.” – Reuters
WHAT PEP HAS WON AT BARCELONA
3 La Liga titles, 2008-09, 09-10, 10-11
3 Spanish Super Cups 2009, 10, 11
2 Champions League, 2008-09, 10-11
2 Fifa Club World Cup, 2009, 2011
2 Uefa Super Cups 2009, 2011
1 Copa del Rey 2008-09