TITO VILANOVA’S TENURE as manager of La Liga giants FC Barcelona commenced in earnest this morning following a press conference and photocall to at the club’s headquarters.

Meeting with the press corps for the first time since signing a two-year managerial contract, Vilanova thanked his predecessor, who informed him that he was in line to succeed him as head coach after the Champions League defeat to Chelsea.

Speaking to FCB Live, Vilanova said:

“I thank Guardiola, my friend, he has almost been like a brother to me. It has been a privilege to be by his side for five years. After the Chelsea game, Guardiola told me he wanted to take a break and that the club would offer me the job.

“First I was surprised, I didn’t hear anything about it before. The club confirmed the offer. I took a few days to think about it.”

Comparatively lacking in top flight experience – he has only occupied two assistant managerial positions, both as a subordinate to Guardiola – Vilanova suggested that, were it not for his friend’s sudden departure, he would have likely have remained in a supporting role.

“If Pep would have joined another team this summer, I probably wouldn’t be here now… I’m just here to do my job. I know if people start comparing, we’ll never win it. As I said, I’m not worried about the comparisons with Pep. I lose them all anyway.”

The new boss has also pledged to make few alterations to Guardiola’s Barcelona set-up, which transformed the Nou Camp outfit into what many regarded as one of the most complete sides of all time.

“Changes? Pep and I shared almost every decision, he communicated them. So now I won’t make many changes either. Alves will stay, that’s obvious. Don’t understand [sic] the rumours. He has been one of the best transfers of the last years.

“With Keita the same: if he wants, he will stay.”

Responding to rumours of the transfer budget available to Vilanova to strengthen his team, which lost out on the La Liga title to arch-rivals Real Madrid, the new manager gave little away.

“Thirty-five million euros (28m pounds) transfer budget? Nobody told me any number. We want a centre back and a left back.

“We don’t plan to sign any forward. Just hope to have less injuries. Cuenca and Tello are there too, we have enough attackers.”

According to the club’s management, the 42-year-old was always the first choice for the job.

President Sandro Rosell said: “When Andoni (Zubizarreta) proposed his name, we didn’t doubt for a second. All together, we’ll have a good time.”

Club director Zubizarreta said that: “(Vilanova) represents the play style, the analysis, the planning, the commitment and the personality” that have characterised Barcelona over the past few years.

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