Vilanova took over from Pep Guardiola this summer, and was given the envious task of following in his footsteps after four glorious years.

“For four years Guardiola guided us, now Vilanova is here,” he told El Pais. “Tito has followed the same line of thought, and everything has continued as normal. Each of them has their own personality, but I've known the Coach for many years and he is a great guy.

“I have learned a lot this season. Pep wanted perfection for four years, and Tito is being equally demanding this year. Every day I am learning something new.”