A Decade Remembered: Barcelona Pays Tribute To Tito Vilanova

• He was a former Spanish footballer and football manager
• He managed the Barcelona team for one season and his tenure was cut short by illness
• He passed away in 2014 due to throat cancer complications

Barcelona marked 10 years since the demise of one of their managers Tito Vilanova who led the team to winning La Liga in his first and only season. He was appointed the manager in April 2012 after Pep Guardiola’s departure.

He only served for one season and during this time, he led the team to a La Liga title, though he stepped down before the following season due to health issues. Before becoming the Barc head coach, he worked as an assistant under Pep Guardiola and during this time, the team won 14 titles, including two Champions League trophies.

He is the man behind mentoring young players in Barcelona youth academy like Messi and Fabregas who later became the central figures in the team’s success. When Guardiola left the club, he took the helm and since he was conversant with Guardiola’s tactics and play style, it helped the team maintain their domestic dominance.

In his only season as Barca’s manager, he led them to a La Liga title, winning the league with a historic 100 points, an achievement that solidified his ability to motivate the team.

Tito Vilanova’s biography

Titi Vilanova Bayo was a former Spanish football and manager, who passed away in 2014 due to complications from throat cancer. His life was tragically cut short when his managerial career was at its peak and his impact on FC Barcelona is still fresh in the memories of many people.

Tito Vilanova. Photo/Sky Sports

Vilanova was born on September 17 1968 in Bellcaire d’Emporda, Catalonia, Spain. Just like most footballers, his passion for the sport was realized at a young age and he played for local clubs like Figueres and Celta de Vigo where he spent most of his playing time.

During his playing time with Vigo, he made 26 appearances in La Liga and played as a central midfielder, before joining Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia where he rose through the ranks.

However, he never made it to the first team as a player and he moved on to play professionally for other clubs. He retired from playing in 2002 and transitioned into a coach.

Vilanova coaching career

After retiring as a player in 2002, he returned to Barcelona and joined La Masia youth academy where he met today’s idols like Messi and Fabregas in the youth teams and for sure, his demeanor fostered a positive learning environment for these current stars in the football world. He was promoted to the head coach of Barcelona B, the club’s reserve team and led them to a promotion to the Segunda Division B, the third tier of Spanish football.

In 2008, he had a dream team era when he became Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager and played a big role in implementing ideas for tactical strategies. He is credited with pioneering the concept of Lionel Messi playing as a “false 9.”

Together with his squad, he led the team to a period of dominance and in four seasons, they won 14 trophies including two Champions League titles and three La Liga titles.

When Guardiola left Barcelona in 2012, he was his immediate successor, with an advantage of familiarity with the players and tactics. In his only season as the manager, they won a La Liga title and secured a record-breaking 100 points.

Vilanova’s sickness and tragic loss

In 2011, he was diagnosed with parotid gland cancer, which recurred in 2013 and this forced him to step down to focus on his treatment, leaving a huge void at the club.

Tito Vilanova. Photo/Sports Illustrated

In 2014, he succumbed to the sickness and despite his short tenure as Barcelona’s manager, he left a lasting legacy. He died at the age of 45 years, leaving behind a widow and two children, a son and daughter.

Barcelona’s memories of Vilanova

Barca remembers Vilanova’s contributions as both assistant manager and the head coach of their club. When he was an assistant to Guardiola, he helped translate his ideas into winning strategies.

He is also credited with the idea of deploying Lionel Messi in the “false 9” role, an innovation that helps the team attack and continues to influence their game. During his time at Barcelona’s youth academy, he helped in the development of young players like Messi and Fabregas who are today’s football idols.

In his only season as Barca’s manager, he helped them secure a winning La Liga title despite having health issues. His legacy for Barcelona will always be remembered.