Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing attack on Barcelona president Sandro Rosell and accused him of using Tito Vilanova's illness as a malicious weapon against him.
The former Blaugrana
boss left Camp Nou last summer and embarked on a 12-month sabbatical
from football in New York - the same city in which Vilanova received
treatment in his battle against cancer.
But Guardiola has been
angered by several stories that have appeared in the press suggesting
the pair were not in contact during his illness because of a breakdown
in their relationship, an accusation the 42-year-old says is fictitious
and instigated by Rosell.
"This year there have been too many
times when they [Barcelona & Rosell] crossed the line. Using Tito
Vilanova's illness to hurt me, that I will never forget. I saw Tito
Vilanova in New York, and if I didn't see him more it's because it was
not possible for me to do so.
"Do
I have to justify wanting a partner I've had for so long and helped me
so much to do well? That was something in very, very bad taste."
Tensions
between Rosell and Guardiola appear to stem from the current board's
dislike of the regime that appointed the now Bayern Munich boss to the
Camp Nou helm, which included former president Joan Laporta and Barca
great Johan Cruyff.
And the Bavarians coach has ordered his old
club to bring an end to their apparent smear campaign against him and
allow him to focus on his new life in Germany.
"Let me enjoy my job and these players that Bayern gives me to do the best I possibly can," he added.
If
any of the things I've said is not true, come out and rebut it. But it
has to be them (Rosell and his board), not intermediaries or Barcelona
messengers, them. They have to focus on making their team work and leave
me alone."
Guardiola spent a success-laden four years in charge
of Barcelona, working under Rosell in his final season at the club.
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