Sports

BARCELONA: New Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova is eager to get the new Spanish season underway, in his first spell in charge of the team after taking over the reins from the departed Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola, who led the Blaugrana to three consecutive Primera Division titles following his appointment in the 2008-09 campaign, took a sabbatical last season after losing the league title to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid.

Vilanova is now eager to prove his worth to the Camp Nou faithful, firmly believing he can leave his own illustrious mark on the history of the club in the same way his predecessor did.

"I hope to win it all," declared the 43-year-old to assembled reporters at a press conference. "I want to ensure our supporters are happy with the team's attitude on and off the field, always looking to challenge for all the prizes on hand."

Midfielder Cesc Fabregas had previously admitted to not fully grasping Guardiola's tactical philosophies, and Vilanova took time to proffer a reply, stating that variations to the starting lineups to accommodate his players' technical profiles could soon surface.

"We will see about using the 3-4-3 as the season progresses. Cesc would certainly be more comfortable there with someone covering for him, though this need not necessarily be taken as an obligation for the future," he explained.

<<Go back