Vilanova needs to strengthen

After a four-year trophy laden stint as Barcelona manager, the time has come for Pep Guardiola to stand down from his role at the Catalan giants. Amassing an impressive 15 pieces of silverware, including the Champions League twice, the former Barca midfielder will go down in the history books as one of the greatest in the game.

His replacement was announced on the same day that Guardiola announced his intention to leave his position with Blaugrana and came in the form of assistant Tito Vilanova. The 42-year-old has a lot to live up to if he is to match the accolades his former employer picked up during his stint with the club. However, with the backing of prized asset Lionel Messi, it isn’t as though he hasn’t lost the dressing room as a result.

Nevertheless, there are three key areas that need to be bolstered this summer – centre-back, left-back and up front. With Jordi Alba expected to arrive after the upcoming European Championships, it leaves just two more positions to strengthen. In the heart of the defence, Thiago Silva of AC Milan had been mooted as a potential arrival, although that has since been rejected by Barcelona.

Chelsea’s David Luiz has also been linked with a move, whilst there is always the chance to raid the B team if worst comes to worst. On the front-line, an out and out striker is needed. David Villa hasn’t lived up to initial expectations and with the Spaniard suffering a broken leg over Christmas, he is unlikely to return the player he once was. Robin van Persie and Fernando Llorente, of Arsenal and Athletic Bilbao respectively, are just two front-men that could do the job for Barca, but it is obvious that if they want to reclaim their domestic crown from rivals Real Madrid, Vilanova needs to invest this summer. 

Fernando Llorente

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NflvuDoc1n4

Jordi Alba

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