Barcelona’s coach Guardiola quits

BARCELONA, Spain – It is the end of an era for Futbol Club de Barcelona fans.

The well-loved Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola announced Friday, April 27, he is leaving the club at the end of the season, ending a 4-year reign over one of the greatest eras in club football.

“Four years is an eternity as Barca coach,” said the 41-year-old Guardiola, dressed in a grey V-necked sweater and white collared shirt, told a news conference packed with journalists and players. “That’s four years, with time everything runs out of steam. I am drained and I need to take a step back and replenish.”

The 41-year-old took the reins in 2008 after being promoted from his position as head coach of the reserve side, led the team to victory in the Champions League, the Spanish Cup and La Liga in his first year.

Guardiola stood and embraced club president Sandro Rosell after making his statement from the podium.

Tito Vilanova, the Barcelona assistant coach, is rumored to be the new Barca coach – With reports from Agence France-Presse

Related stories:

• FutKal: Football of the streets
• Football for peace: Sulu needs balls, not bullets
• Eye on the football: NCR captains set goals