Guardiola is new Barca boss

After months of speculation regarding the future of Frank Rijkaard, it has today been announced that Josep Guardiola will be taking over in June.

Speaking at a press conference and to www.fcbarcelona.com, club president, Joan Laporta, has confirmed that the former captain and current B team coach will be replacing the Dutchman at the end of the current season. The statement read as follows, "Following the meeting of the club's board, president Joan Laporta appeared before the media to announce the change of FC Barcelona's first team coach at the end of the season.

"Frank Rijkaard will cease to be the coach of Barca on June 30 and Josep Guardiola will be his substitute."

Many names had been linked with the job, from Laudrup to Mourinho, but it has finally been confirmed that the Catalan legend Guardiola will be the man tasked with restoring the side to its former glory.

Some will be sad to see Rijkaard leave as he brought two league titles and a Champions League title to the Camp Nou during his four year reign. However, this season has not gone according to plan for the Blaugrana as they are set to end it without a trophy for the second year running, something which is simply not tolerated in Catalunya.

Many pundits will doubt Guardiola's first team coaching experience, but none will doubt his passion for the club and desire to succeed.