Vilanova plays down Guardiola comparisons

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova feels it is too early to compare him to Pep Guardiola as he has not won anything yet.

Vilanova has been praised for his good work since taking charge of Barca at the start of the season, but he has made it clear that his predecessor remains on another level, at least for now.

“I haven’t won anything. On a general level I would lose in any comparison with Guardiola,” Vilanova said.

The 44-year-old said he does not feel in competition with the achievements of Guardiola’s tenure, given the contribution he made to that success as assistant coach.

“I feel very much part of what was done before and therefore I’m competing against myself,” he said.

“The 5-0 win over Madrid and the Champions League final in London are the highlights of my time with Pep.”

Vilanova also had his say on Guardiola’s future, and believes that his friend and former colleague will do well wherever he goes.

“It’s great news that Pep is eager and ready to return. Football needs the best trainer to coach again. I’m sure it will go very well for him wherever he goes.”

Guardiola has attracted the interest of clubs such as Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Chelsea and both Manchester sides.

Barca’s next match is at home to Malaga in the Copa del Rey quarter-final first leg.