Pep Guardiola is to coach Barcelona next season, replacing the Dutchman Frank Rijkaard, club president Joan Laporta confirmed Thursday.

Laporta praised Rijkaard for his 'excellent work and behaviour,' which led the Catalan club to two titles in la Liga and one in the Champions League over five seasons.

The Barcelona president added that he thinks Guardiola guarantees 'the continuity of the football ideals' that have secured success for the club.