Laporta announces Guardiola as new Barcelona coach

The appointment of Guardiola comes as no surprise, though it was expected that Laporta would not make the announcement before the season had finished.

 Laporta, however, has been under massive pressure to ring the changes after Wednesday's 4-1 thrashing away to champions Real Madrid - a result which means that Barca will finish in third place, with Villarreal second.

 Laporta has not given details about the contract that Guardiola will sign, nor about the settlement with Rijkaard, who was under contract to 2009.

 Rijkaard won two Spanish leagues and one Champions Cup in his five-year reign, but the last two seasons have been characterized by frustration and complacency.

 "Rijkaard has worked hard," said Laporta, "and has behaved excellently. His record is exceptional and should not be overshadowed by the last two seasons. He has made history here." 

  Laporta explained that "we have chosen Guardiola because of his knowledge and because of his love for the club." 

  Guardiola was captain of Barca in the 1990s, before winding down his career in Italy. He has little coaching experience, having been in charge of Barca's third division nursery side for just one season.