The Dutch legend shared that La Blaugrana have yet to get over Guardiola, whilst refusing to pass his judgement over Tito Vilanova’s short managerial stint at the Camp Nou.
Pep Guardiola took the reins of Barcelona from Frank Rijkaard in the summer of 2008. Fourteen titles later, the Catalan coach decided to take a sabbatical from footballing responsibilities, leaving La Blaugrana in the custody of assistant Tito Vilanova.
The Camp Nou based outfit have played five competitive fixtures under Vilanova so far, winning four and losing one. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Barcelona-c38604’s solitary defeat saw them finish runners up in the Spanish Super Cup, but have taken a commendable 5 points lead over Real Madrid
in La Liga title race.
La Blaugrana have a perfect record in Spanish top flight domestic championship, standing clear of all pretenders. However, despite their impressive start to the season, Cruyff believes there is something different about the squad bow.
The legendary Dutch midfielder shared that Vilanova have a big task on his hands as he leads Barcelona, whilst also wishing him luck in achieving the tasks he has set for himself.
“It is not the same being beside someone [in reference to Guardiola] and being at the head of things,” said Cruyff. “Things are different. Hopefully he does well but you never know.”
Cruyff claimed that Tito has challenges ahead of him, which he should look at positively. He stated that the new managerial incumbent was like a shadow to Guardiola and should be able to rise to the occasion.
However, when asked to give his ruling on the subject, Cruyff refused to give a definitive answer. He commented that time will bear witness to the answer of such a question.
“Tito has this to overcome but it can be turned into a positive. He has been alongside Pep for four years. Pep could never be anybody’s assistant. Time will tell.”
“Barca will miss Guardiola when we don’t win but mostly we’ll miss his presence, his way of thinking, his culture. He was a unique person who always sought the support of myself and Txiki [Begiristain] in searching for the truth, then afterwards he did what
he wanted.”
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