Tito Vilanova: A tribute

They all happened on Fridays.

On Friday April 27, 2012, Tito Vilanova was confirmed as the natural choice to take over as Barcelona’s manager from the departing Pep Guardiola.

On Friday July 19, 2013, Vilanova stepped down as manager, so he could continue his treatment for cancer.

On Friday April 25, 2014, he succumbed to the ailment.

“With the treatments I must follow from now on, I cannot devote 100% to the tasks of head coach. After five wonderful years as part of a team that has made dreams come true for any coach, it’s time to face a change in my professional life and focus my energy on continuing to fight the disease I was diagnosed with a year and a half ago. It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences,” Vilanova said in an open letter published on the club’s website when he was stepping down as the club’s manager.

It was his last.

Deluge of tributes

“Tito Vilanova has passed away today at the age of 45. It happened this afternoon, as our former coach was not able to overcome a disease he has fought since 2011,” said Barcelona.

“The club wishes to express their deepest condolences to his family with whom it shares their pain in these moments as do fans, members of FC Barcelona and all the world of football and sport.”

Barca players were out in full force, praising their former manager.

“A person difficult to forget. I will always remember you. All my love to the family of Tito,” Lionel Messi wrote.

“Tito, thank you for all you have given to football and Barca. Personally, I met you 14 years ago and I can say that there are very few people like you. Thank you for always trusting me to help me improve and overcome personal and professional obstacles. We will always keep a place for you in our hearts. Rest in peace Tito,” Cesc Fabregas added.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who during his time with Real Madrid had many battles with Vilanova, paid his respects.

“Tito Vilanova’s passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends. On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club, I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.”

Real Madrid President, Florentino Perez said: “I want to express my deep sorrow at the death of Tito Vilanova and transmit, on behalf of Real Madrid, our condolences, love and support to his family, to FC Barcelona and most especially his wife and children.

“Today is a day of great sadness for all football fans and recognition of his personal and professional career.”

Barca captain Carles Puyol described Vilanova’s death as very hard.

“For two and a half years, Tito was an example for us all; he fought until the last day, the last moment. He showed great strength and showed a brave face through it all,” he said.

“From here, we send all our strength to his friends and family. A great person has left us, it is a very hard blow to take.”

Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich team will wear black armbands during Saturday’s Bundesliga match at home to Werder Bremen in memory of Vilanova.

Barcelona’s best Spanish league performance ever came during Vilanova’s only season in charge of the club.

The 2012 – 2013 Barcelona side scored 100 points, netting 115 league goals en route to the 22nd league title in the club’s history.

Vilanova’s funeral will take place on Monday evening in Barcelona cathedral.

The Tito Vilanova factfile

1968: Born 17 September, Bellcaire d’Emporda, Spain

1988: Comes through the Barcelona youth set-up, but never makes the first team

1990: Joins lower-league side Figueres

1992: Arrives at Primera Liga side Celta Vigo

1995: Leaves after struggling to hold down a first-team place

2002: Retires after short spells with a number of lower-league clubs, and starts coaching at Barca’s youth academy

2007: After a spell as technical director at Terrassa, becomes assistant manager of Barcelona’s B team, working under Pep Guardiola

2008: Becomes Barcelona assistant when Guardiola is made manager

2012: Appointed Guardiola’s successor

2013: Steps down as Barca coach

2014: Dies