Pinto: We all wanted Guardiola to stay at Barcelona

The former Spain midfielder will step down from his role at the end of the season, with his assistant ready to take the reins in the summer, but the custodian confessed if it were down to him and his colleagues, they would have retained their coach. "We understand Pep's decision, but would have preferred if he decided to stay," Pinto told reporters. "Aside from the titles he won, people will remember his philosophy. "We all know Tito. He has a strong personality, and we believe in his way of seeing football." Pinto started between the sticks in the 7-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, but played down the prospect of displacing current No.1 Victor Valdes for the remaining three matches of the Primera Division season. "Will I start in the remaining Liga games? My magic ball hasn't told me anything," joked the goalkeeper. "The coach will decide what he thinks is best."