Barcelona spokesman Toni Freixa believes that Coach Tito Vilanova is earning deserved comparisons with Pep Guardiola in every way.
Barca are on the verge of clinching a 22nd League title this term, and a fourth in five years, with a 13-point lead in the title race with seven games to go.
Vilanova, who replaced Guardiola in the summer, is seen by Freixa as on a level with his predecessor, who stands as the club’s most successful Coach yet, with 14 trophies won in four years.
“Tito Vilanova is earning all the comparisons with Guardiola. He is having a flawless season,” Barca’s spokesman told Onda Cero this week.
“When we presented him he said he would lose all comparisons with Guardiola. I believe that he is gaining them all, even on the human side.
“The season seems to be better than last. I personally do not see any comparisons lost but the contrary, this season has been better than last.”
Freixa also reflected on a number of other issues, including Victor Valdes’ decision not to renew his contract beyond its June 2014 expiry.
“He is an extraordinary ‘keeper, to the measure of Barca and Barca is to the measure of him. The fans and his teammates want him to stay and logically so, here, we want him to stay.
“But sometimes logic is not satisfied and we must respect his intentions. If he reconsiders his decision then the doors are open.”
Vice-President Josep Maria Bartomeu this week asserted that any contract offered to Eric Abidal this summer would be to continue as a player, as per the player’s wishes too.
“His ability to fight to come back has been extraordinary. Now he is one of the team, a player who is out of contract.
“If the requirements for an automatic renewal are not met, the club will make a decision strictly on technical parameters, regardless of the personal.
“Abidal is an example to everyone, a player that will always be special for Barcelona, but the technicians will make this decision.”
