Tito Vilanova - The Silent Centurion !

The news of Tito Vilanova stepping down as FC Barcelona's head coach because of a relapse for a second time has shocked the footballing world. The news that started on twitter and spread via  various sources, was later confirmed by club president Sandro Rosell and Director Zubizarreta in a press conference. In the wake o the event, Barcelona have cancelled the friendly scheduled on 20th july.

A small tribute to the man  who lead us to a historic century of points, our silent centurion !

For every Catalan boy, it is always a dream to don the famous Blaugrana kit, so had a boy named Francesc 'Tito' Vilanova. Vilanova, a graduate from the famous youth academy "la masia", although never made his mark as a player, 18 years after would make his mark on the club's history forever, along with his long time friend and colleague Pep Guardiola. Vilanova's return to Barcelona as Pep's assistant had been absolutely vital in the rebuilding the team from scratches and take it to the glory once again, which would later be   referred to as "One of the greatest teams of all times" by most. People keep praising Guardiola for the masterstroke of "false9" with Leo Messi that took world by storm, but what very few people know that it was actually Vilanova who suggested it. A genius, truly ! A very calm figure, much contrast to the aggressive guardiola, Tito was a figure known, but still unknown for most.

After Guardiola decided to step down as manager, fans across the globe were busy, discussing the future manager, from Bielsa to Siemone and from Wenger to AVB. Almost nobody could have imagined at that time about vilanova, except for the very few. It was in a way a surprise, but a pleasant one when Vilanova was appointed as head coach. Although it was huge task to fill the shoes left vacent by the most successful coach in the club's history, since Tito was with the team for over 4 years, he knew the system inside out that he himself had worked hard to establish, he got support and trust from players and fans throughout the world.



The pre-season worked out very well and fans were hoping for a good season ahead. Even though Barcelona lost the Spanish Supercup to Real Madrid  on away goals rule, team's brilliant football over two legs was much appreciated, especially after the red card to Adriano at Santiago Bernabau.  Fans felt that Tito was the right man for the job. But no one, not even the coach or players would have thought what happened as the season begun and progressed.



A rejuvenated barcelona would rip apart most of teams, and showing the grit and determination to snatch the points out of nowhere only to keep breaking the all time liga records. Much opposite to Guardiola, Vilanova would be a very calm and composed personality, standing in the technical area, speaking rarely. But a genius thinker, he would make some minor changes which would give huge benifits

The Tactician

Vilanova introduced a bit of the  directness into buildups, a move that surprised even the fans but was highly successful.  The reduction in unneeded side-ward passing and more attacking football became as entertaining as successful that it virtually sealed LaLiga title in mere 16 weeks after Mourinho's Madrid had few slip ups and no team could cope up with rampant Barca.
           

Another achievement of Vilanova was getting Fabregas to his old self. Upon his return to his boyhood club, Cesc wasn't as impressive as he would have liked. He had become a shadow of his old self. But vvilanova made tactical changes and gave him a role that suited him well. His on field chemistry and understanding with Lionel Messi would become almost impossible to stop and by the end of first half of season, Fabregas would be Barcelona's second best player of the campaign, only behind messi and and re-establish him once again as one of the best !

Although the draw, the el classico would once again test Vilanova's abilities to handle tough situations as he had his 3 first choice defenders ruled out for the game. Despite playing with makeshift defense, and Real Madrid in great scoring form, having previously scored more than 3 goals in their last 3 games, could not manage a win. Thus, After first 20 Liga games, Barcelona would still be unbeaten with 19 wins and 1 draw, a new league record !

Just when it seemed things are going pretty smooth and Barca could now shift the focus entirely on Champions League after virtually claiming the title in January itself, the biggest blow would come as Vilanova had a relapse and had to be shifted to New York for the treatment. That would be proved as a huge setback, as Barcelona had a sudden and sharp decline in form, resulting from the poor moral because of Tito's departure and inefficient squad management by assistant coach Roura. They lost three of the most important games of the season within  just a week, putting entire campaign in jeopardy. Two El Classicos, one that would eliminate them from Spanish Cup,  and the painful 2-0 loss at San Siro to AC Milan. That week, once again underlined the importance of Vilanova for the team as the team looked continuously declining, less energetic and tactically average.

Upon his return, the team had a rise in form but struggled against PSG and later, humiliated by bayern. Vilanova came  under fire and drew criticism from various sections. Still as calm as always, he continued his work and lead Barca to a record 100 points. Just a season ago, when Jose Mourinho had claimed that his 100 point record would take a very long time to be broken, Vilanova took just a year to match it !

Just when things were going as planned, with signing of Neymar to bolster the attack and continued search for a defender, Barcelona would face possibly the biggest blow of all. on July 19th, Vilanova was diagnosed with another relapse and it would become impossible for him to continue. President Rosell and Director Andoni Zubizarreta immediately announced a presser, for the official announcement about Tito stepping down.

Rosell: "Tito Vilanova will continue treatment of his illness, he will not be able to continue as FC Barcelona's head manager."

It was indeed a very difficult and emotional moment for every player, staff and fan, watching the presser live. everyone knew that this was gonna be the last of Tito Vilanova as FC Barcelona's Head coach. Everyone waited eagerly for what Tito himself had to say.




An open letter by Vilanova published on the official website of FC Barcelona reads-

"Thank you Barca; thank you everyone.It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences. I'll be eternally grateful for everything you have given to me and I have shown. After five wonderful years as part of a team that has made dreams come true as a coach, the time has come to face a change in my professional life and to devote forces to continue the process of the disease that I was diagnosed a year and a half ago." Dignified, as always !

The news cause a global disturbance as numerous players, managers and clubs issued official statemnts wishing Vilanova a speedy recovery. It is very difficult moment for all who are associated with Barcelona and even more so for Vilanova and his family. But dont worry Tito, u have defeated the cancer twice, now a time for hat-trick! Millions are praying for you good health across the world. You have to win this game Tito, you will win !

Some selection of messages of support to Tito:

Leo Messi - "Strength Tito! We are all with you in this fight!"

Chelse FC: "Jose Mourinho, his coaching staff and the Chelsea players also all send their best wishes to Tito Vilanova for his fast recovery"


Andres Iniesta - "Tito will once again win this terrible battle facing him. On behalf of the players and everyone, I send him all my love and support. At the end of the day, this is about a person, not a coach."


Pepe Reina - "Football is equally fleeting in its victories and defeats. All my support for Tito Vilanova and his family! Support! You are going to win this game!"


Puaul Gasol(NBA)- "The first and most important thing in life is health. My best wishes to Tito Vilanova in this difficult moment. #animsTito #GetWellSoon".


Pep Guardiola- "It is very diffcult for me to talk about this subject in German. (Vilanova) is a close friend of mine and I love him very much,I can only wish him and his family the best as they confront this difficult moment with strength. This is very, very tough for me


Real Madrid CF- Real Madrid CF want to express their support for and solidarity with Tito Vilanova and also to his family, friends and FC Barcelona.

Thiago Alcantara- “All the encouragement in the world for Tito and his family. We are all with you!!”

Tito Over the years.................

                                                                            

   

Adios Tito !

Goodbye Tito. But while leaving, you should know, that your name will be taken with utmost respect and love and you have a place of your own  in the club's glittering history !
Anims Tito !
Anims the silent centurion !