Tito Vilanova has some pretty remarkable achievements to his name.

The Spaniard took charge of Barcelona from Pep Guardiola in April 2012 after following him from the reserve team set-up four years earlier.

In his sole campaign as head coach in 2012-13, Villanova wrestled the La Liga title back from Real Madrid in truly stunning fashion.

That season, Barcelona lost only eight competitive matches, scored at least once in every league fixture and won their 22nd domestic championship by a record margin of 15 points.

Not a bad way to back up the most successful year in the club’s history.

However, the campaign will also be remembered for more sombre reasons.

In December 2012, Barcelona announced Vilanova was suffering from cancer and would need to undergo surgery and six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

The former midfielder returned to the dugout in March 2013, but was forced to step down four months later as his condition relapsed.

Sadly, Villanova passed away on 25 April 2014.

Jordi Roura - who deputised for Vilanova throughout the period between his operation and resignation - cannot speak highly enough of his contribution to Barcelona.

In fact, he believes the club would now be without Lionel Messi if not for a conversation between the Argentine and Vilanova six days before his death.

“Tito was at a delicate stage and Leo wasn't convinced about his continuity,” Roura told Radio Kanal Barcelona, per Marca.

“They met and although I wasn't there, I know they spent a number of hours talking.

“Messi decided to stay and we hope that he will for many more years.”

If that’s the case, Barcelona certainly have a lot to show for Vilanova’s efforts, having since won 12 major trophies including three leagues crowns.

Not every manager has the ability to sway the mindset of superstar players, and, according to Roura, it was this type of charisma that made Vilanova so brilliant.

“He was a very simple, direct person,” the 51-year-old added.

“He has a lot of personality and he showed a lot with his face.

“I think that's what made him special.”