Vilanova replaces Guardiola at Nou Camp

Pep Guardiola has announced he is standing down as Barcelona manager and Tito Vilanova has been swiftly appointed as his successor.

The 41-year-old claimed 13 trophies during four years as manager at the Nou Camp and has admitted to pondering about leaving the club for some time. Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the season to "recharge his batteries" and Barca president Sandro Rosell has already confirmed that Vilanova, the current assistant boss, will step up to the top job during the summer. Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who Rosell said made the decision regarding who would take over from Guardiola, said Vilanova was chosen as he represents the "idea and the image" of the club, and the outgoing boss has given full backing to his current assistant. "I think the club has taken the best decision possible," said Guardiola. "He is more than capable. The players know him. He will make few changes. He will give the club and these players something that I thought I could no longer give. "I could have continued but that is not what Barca would have deserved."