Lionel Messi has revealed he expects Barcelona's new coach Tito Vilanova to enjoy a successful spell at the club.
Argentina international looks forward to new era at Barcelona
Lionel Messi has revealed he expects Barcelona's new coach Tito Vilanova to enjoy a long successful spell at the club.
Vilanova will officially replace Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp on July 1st after the former Barca midfielder decided to step down after a trophy-laden spell in charge.
However, Argentina international Messi is confident Barca will continue to win trophies with their new man in charge.
Personality
"I am staying at Barcelona and I hope that everything will be the same without Pep," he told
Sport.
"Tito has a completely different personality, but I hope that he remains in charge for a long time. That would mean things are going well."
For Messi, the loss of Guardiola's influence will be particularly poignant as he credits the 41-year-old with improving him as a player, and recalls the week in which he announced his departure.
Develop
"Guardiola has helped me develop as a player, especially tactically," said Messi. "He explained things to me that I had never done before.
"It was a difficult week. We lost to Real Madrid, were eliminated from the Champions League, and then there was Pep's departure. It was a real blow."
In his last term in charge Guardiola led the club to the Spanish Supercopa, Uefa Supercup, Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey.
