DAWN.COM

Today's Paper | May 03, 2024

Published 19 Aug, 2012 08:08pm

Barca want to win everything, says Vilanova

MADRID, Aug 19: The coach has changed but not the philosophy, new Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova said on Saturday as he set out a plan to “win everything” ahead of his La Liga baptism against Real Sociedad.

The 42-year-old stepped up from assistant to replace Pep Guardiola in the close season, taking over from his close friend who won 14 trophies in his four seasons in charge at the Nou Camp.

“I hope to win everything,” Vilanova told a news conference as he prepared for Sunday’s home game with Sociedad (1900GMT). “We have a team capable of winning any game.

“Barcelona are a side who, particularly in recent years, have become used to winning everything.”

Vilanova played a part in the successes of the Guardiola era, the club claiming two Champions League and three La Liga titles playing an attractive brand of attacking football.

“We will try to have continuity in the way we play which is what I think the people really want,” he added. “[The only change] is the person transmitting the message, not the philosophy.”

Barcelona and Spain striker David Villa is still short of match fitness as he continues his recovery from the broken leg he suffered in December.

“He has been out for eight months and ... just needs to get fit,” remarked Vilanova. “We will try to keep giving him minutes on the pitch until then.”

Barca also meet arch-rivals and La Liga champions Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup first leg at the Nou Camp on Thursday.—Reuters

Read Comments

Pakistan's 'historic' lunar mission to be launched on Friday aboard China lunar probe Next Story