FCBARCELONA.CAT

17.06.2008 14:14

Guardiola ready for challenge

Jordi Clos

Josep Guardiola appeared happy and excited about his new job at the reins of FC Barcelona. “I can’t promise titles, but I am convinced that the people will be proud of us”, he said.

It was officially announced some time ago, but due to his work in charge of the reserve team, Josep Guardiola has only just been presented to the media as Barça's new manager. The short event took place at midday today in Sala París. President Joan Laporta and director of football Txiki Begiristain heard Guardiola say: “I feel ready, if not, I wouldn’t be sitting here. I am not afraid, and this challenge does not frighten me.”

A major responsibility

He went on to say that “the satisfaction of being here is as great as the responsibility. I want to thank the president, Txiki and Marc Ingla for the confidence they have shown in me this year and that they showed last year in bringing me back to such an extraordinary club as this. I won’t let them down, I am convinced it will all work out well”. He added: “I am lacking experience because I am only 37. The merit I have is that these gentleman have chosen me.”

Work, effort and talent

The new first team manager then said that: “I strongly believe in work, effort and talent … it will be a tough task, but I’ll persist. I know we have to work hard and fast, to be strong from the start. I can’t promise titles, but I am convinced that the people will be proud of us”.