Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola to step down after season, assistant Vilanova taking over

After four years and a 13-trophy haul, Barcelona’s rock star coach – Manager – has stepped down, with no indication as to his next post.

Guardiola’s success rate while at the Camp Nou after earning the role via promotion in the summer of 2008 has been stunning. The former B-Team boss and Barca player won 13 trophies in all, including La Liga titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011, UEFA Champions League crowns in 2009 and 2011, as well as the Copa del Rey in 2009.

Guardiola has always seemed hesitant about talking anything “long term” at the post, an odd position for most wannabe bosses of the world’s best teams to take publicly. Citing fears or burnout living in the fishbowl of world soccer, it appears recent losses in both La Liga and the Champions League may have been the right time to step aside and ponder what’s next.

Assistant boss Tito Vilanova has been confirmed as Pep’s successor, planning take over at the conclusion of the current campaign.

The news – though not shocking – is blowing up the soccer news machine already today, with every major outlet, and many non-traditional soccer sports endeavors posting some news or another – despite the big news surrounding some kind of cold breeze in the world of pointy football.

Here’s a quick list of links from some of them where you can read more:

[ + Pep Guardiola confirms Barca departure ]

[ + Adios to a genious, Pep deserves a break ]

[ + Follow the latest on Guardian’s Fottball live blog ]