Tito Vilanova has denied Barcelona's heavy defeat signifies an end of an era

Posted Saturday, April 27, 2013 by skysports.com

Tito Vilanova: Looking forward to another season in the dugout with Barcelona

Tito Vilanova has denied Barcelona's heavy defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich this week signifies 'an end of an era'.

The Catalans suffered a 4-0 UEFA Champions League first-leg semi-final defeat in the Allianz Arena leaving Vilanova's side with a mountain to climb at Camp Nou on Wednesday if they are to progress to the Wembley final.

While the defeat has left some to speculate to 'an end of an era', Vilanova does not agree.

"They talk about that all the time, but at the highest level of competition, like in the league or the Champions League, to win is always very difficult," he said.

Remote RecordGet a Sky Sports Day PassUpgrade to Sky Sports
"Barca have continued to win for the last three seasons, but in the past we have not won the league nor the Champions League.

"If we win the title this year then we will be back to winning trophies and we have done that for four of the last five seasons. I do not think that will be done again.

"We have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League for the last six years. I certainly do not think that this is the end of an era."

Meanwhile Vilanova, who recently returned to the dugout after cancer treatment, insists that he is fit and ready to stay on as head coach after the club announced he would continue at the helm next season.

"I have a real desire and drive to carry on next season," he said.

"Now I am great after the process that I have been through. I did not come back earlier because of the side effects, but I feel better every day. I really want to train again and to be in the press room.

"On the subject of me staying on I feel strong and am looking forward to next season. At no time have I thought about leaving. When I have time off I get bored. This is my life and I do not feel under any pressure."