Barcelona will continue to be competitive under Vilanova, affirms Guardiola after beating Rayo Vallecano

The 41-year-old is confident that the good times will continue to roll at Camp Nou when he passes the reins onto his assistant, while he also commented on Sunday's resounding win

Pep Guardiola has assured Barcelona fans that the club will continue to enjoy success under coach in-elect Tito Vilanova next season after their 7-0 mauling of Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The Blaugrana boss announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the campaign with his assistant being immediately confirmed as his successor, and after the match against Rayo Vallecano, he stated his belief that the team will only realise their vast potential under his right-hand man.

"This team is young, Tito knows the players well and I'm confident that Barcelona will continue to be competitive [under him]," he told the press.

"I'm grateful for all the praise in response to my departure, although I didn't pass away. I'll still be around."

Guardiola then reacted to the goal celebration initiated by Thiago Alcantara and Dani Alves in the aftermath of the fifth goal scored by Barca, and apologised for the incident which some Rayo fans took offence to.

"We, as a club, apologise for the celebration, as it did not reflect the attitude of Barca players. It won't happen again," he said.

However, the former Spain midfielder ended on a positive note, as he was full of praise for second-string goalkeeper Jose Pinto and winger Pedro, who made an emphatic return to form with a double against the Liga strugglers, as well as a further two assists to his name.

"If Pinto doesn't get injured, he'll play in the Copa del Rey final," he continued. "He helped us to get to the final for the third time in four years."

"I am also very happy with Pedro's performance. He is one of my favourite players as we started out together in the fourth division."

Barcelona remain seven points behind Real Madrid at the Liga summit with three matches remaining.

Stars from around the footballing world salute outgoing Barcelona boss Guardiola

The 41-year-old coach will be taking a break from the game at the end of the season, and pundits and players alike have been lining up to pay tribute to his achievements

After months of speculation, Pep Guardiola announced on Friday that he would indeed be stepping down from his role as Barcelona coach at the end of the season.

Since taking up the reins at Camp Nou four years ago, the Catalans have bewildered their opponents with their sublime brand of passing football, racking up 13 titles in the process.

So, what next for Guardiola? Well, it seems as if he is set to take a well-earned break from the stress and strain of coaching one of the biggest clubs in world football.

Several prominent figures from within the game have already taken to the internet to express their gratitude to the 41-year-old for cultivating one of the finest sides of all time.

"Well done to Guardiola," exclaimed former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on Twitter. "Football that I have never seen before! Magic..."

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit was next to weigh in, singing the Spaniard's praises but at the same time wondering how on earth he will top what he has achieved in Catalunya.

"We have to thank #Guardiola for the great years of football he gave us with Barcelona. I will take my hat off.

"Difficult to go somewhere else for Pep. It can only go downhill. Or he has to take #Messi with him," he continued.

However, despite his admiration for Guardiola, the former Stamford Bridge idol would not like to see the Spaniard take up residence in London.

"I like Pep as a coach but I want #RDM as coach for CHELSEA."

It wasn't long before the men who had served under Pep began to post their own online tributes to their departing boss.

"Thanks so much for everything, Pep. You've taught us the way. A huge hug," Blaugrana skipper Carles Puyol announced.

Soon after, Puyol's central defensive partner Gerard Pique left a similar message to Guardiola on his own Twitter account.

"Thanks a lot Pep for giving us so much ... Four years full of victories, happy times, and above all, lessons in football."

Thiago Alcantara, who rose through the Barcelona ranks and made his mark in first team under Guardiola, was next to express his gratitude towards his coach.

"You reached the summit of football and you'll stay there forever. We're eternally grateful. THANK YOU PEP!" the Spain international wrote.

Cesc Fabregas had always been vocal in his admiration for Guardiola, and he too heaped praise on his boyhood hero, but added that he was looking forward to working closely with new coach Tito Vilanova.

"Although we've only been together for one year, it feels as though it has been much longer. Pep, my childhood idol, and my inspiration as coach. Thanks for the time we've spent together, I'll value it forever.

"For Tito, I wish the best in this new opportunity that football has given to him. We were together when I was a kid, and he is not just a great person but also an excellent manager."

Andres Iniesta, meanwhile, logged into Facebook to comment on an old photo of a jovial Guardiola giving him some sage advice during a training session.

"Today our manager has given us the news and just I want to give thanks to him and his team for these years," the midfielder stated. "But we cannot forget that season is still in active."

Indeed, Barca's players will be hoping to give their outgoing coach the send-off he deserves by prolonging the Liga title race for as long as possible and beating Athletic Bilbao in next month's Copa del Rey final to secure Guardiola a 14th title in four wonderful seasons.