BARCELONA WILL PAY tribute to their former coach Tito Vilanova ahead of Saturday’s clash with Real Madrid with 98,000 fans to take part in a stadium mosaic bearing his name.
The mosaic that will be displayed in both Barcelona’s red and blue colours, as well as the yellow and red of the Catalan flag, will spell out “Força Tito” the Catalan for “strength Tito.”
Vilanova was forced to resign from his post as coach in July to continue his treatment for throat cancer.
He was only in charge of the first team for one season, but guided Barca to a record-equalling points tally of 100 as they cruised to a 22nd Spanish title in May.
The 45-year-old missed a significant period of the campaign, however, as he had to travel to New York for chemotherapy after suffering a relapse of the cancer in December last year.
Vilanova also played a significant role as assistant manager in Barca’s glorious four-year spell under Pep Guardiola, in which they won 14 trophies, including two Champions League titles.
