In 2013, one of the most successful and influential football clubs in the world, FC Barcelona, had a notable coach leading their team. Let’s take a closer look at who was at the helm during this significant period.
The Coach of Barcelona in 2013: Tito Vilanova
Tito Vilanova was the coach of Barcelona in 2013. He took charge of the team after Pep Guardiola’s departure and continued to build on the club’s previous successes.
A Brief Background on Tito Vilanova
Francesc “Tito” Vilanova i Bayó was born on September 17, 1968, in Bellcaire d’Empordà, Catalonia, Spain. Before becoming a coach, Vilanova had a modest playing career as a midfielder for various clubs in the Spanish lower divisions.
However, it was his coaching abilities that truly shone through. Vilanova joined FC Barcelona’s coaching staff in 2007 as an assistant to Pep Guardiola when he was appointed as the head coach of Barcelona B. Together, they achieved tremendous success with the reserve team and were then promoted to lead the senior squad.
The Successes under Tito Vilanova
During his tenure as head coach, Tito Vilanova continued Barcelona’s tradition of playing beautiful and possession-based football. Under his guidance, Barcelona achieved remarkable milestones and added more silverware to their already illustrious history.
- La Liga Title: In the 2012-2013 season, FC Barcelona won La Liga for the fourth time in five years under Vilanova’s leadership. The team displayed exceptional teamwork and skill throughout the campaign.
- Copa del Rey: In addition to the league title, Vilanova’s Barcelona also captured the Copa del Rey in 2012-2013. They defeated Athletic Bilbao in the final, showcasing their dominance on the domestic front.
Despite these successes, Tito Vilanova faced significant challenges during his time as Barcelona’s coach. He battled against health issues and had to step down from his position prematurely due to a relapse of cancer.
Tito Vilanova’s Legacy
Tito Vilanova’s time as Barcelona’s coach may have been short-lived, but his impact on the club was immense. His dedication to the team and his tactical acumen left an indelible mark on Barcelona’s playing style.
Tragically, Tito Vilanova passed away on April 25, 2014, at the age of 45. His contributions to FC Barcelona will always be remembered and appreciated by players, fans, and football enthusiasts worldwide.
Conclusion
In 2013, Tito Vilanova was the coach of FC Barcelona. Under his guidance, Barcelona continued their successful run and added more trophies to their collection. Although his time as coach was cut short due to health reasons, Tito Vilanova left an enduring legacy at one of football’s most iconic clubs.