Tito Vilanova has died, aged 45, following a long-fought battle with cancer. The former Barcelona coach relapsed in December 2012, following what was a successful removal of a throat tumour in November 2011.
During his time at Barcelona he worked alongside Pep Guardiola with the youth team and senior side, before eventually succeeding Guardiola and being named as Barcelona head coach in 2012.
Tributes have flooded in from many big names who knew the Spaniard, including Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos and Jose Mourinho, the latter of whom was questioned about Vilanova’s health earlier in the week, to the disgust of many.
In his short time in charge, Vilanova achieved a great deal. Here are his three greatest achievements:
The Barca side between 2008-2013
A lot of people really overlook how big a role Vilanova played in ‘creating’ the new Barcelona that dominated Europe for so long, and the world (with a little help from some Real Madrid friends). Why was it so important to Guardiola to have this man be his assistant? Why was it such a sure decision that this man could succeed Pep? Because he had such a big role in developing and nurturing this side, the respect and trust was already embedded in the Barcelona players.
To even be mentioned amongst the names of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi is one thing, but to be one of two men that those three credit to their success at Barcelona is another. Vilanova wasn’t just a manager; he was a parent and a teacher too.
Succeeding Pep Guardiola
Not only did Vilanova manage to steady the ship after a top manager left, something David Moyes has shown can be harder than it seems, but he did it without anyone noticing. Guardiola had been at the helm of this side since 2008 and it was a big void for Vilanova to fill, so all things considered, it is arguably one of the most seamless switches in football history.
The changeover cannot be understated enough, yet Vilanova made it, without making himself known to the media at every chance, as many would.
Winning La Liga
It may seem odd that this is seen as an achievement for the Barca side of recent years, but there is a lot to bear in mind. Real Madrid had waltzed to the title just a year earlier, yet Vilanova managed to lift the title and put Real back in second place, despite having to miss some of the season to fight cancer.
To win it with 100 points from 38 games just placed the cherry delicately on top. The Barca empire that had, just one year earlier, looked like it was about to crumble, was now back in full swing and the swagger was arguably even greater, even with the modest Vilanova running things.
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