Barcelona’s incoming coach, Pep Guardiola, has praised the achievements of his predecessor Frank Rijkaard, describing them as “extraordinary.”

Guardiola, the coach of Barcelona’s B team, will replace Rijkaard on July 1 even though the Dutchman won the 2006 Champions League and two Spanish league titles in five years. “What he has done makes you want to take your hat off to him. It’s extraordinary. He is an example to all of us,” Guardiola said

Guardiola was speaking publicly for the first time since his appointment on Thursday, a day after Barcelona suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid, the champions.

The 37-year-old former Barcelona captain and midfielder, who won six league titles in 11 years at the club, refused to answer questions about his new job. “I understand you asking about this but now is not the time," he said. "There’ll be plenty of time later. We’ve spent 11 months working very hard with the reserves, and it would show a lack of respect to my players to hog the limelight."

Guardiola has led Barcelona B to the top of Group 5 of Spain’s fourth division, which is divided into 18 regional groups. The team is now on the verge of promotion.

Rijkaard has been widely praised for the dignified manner in which he has accepted his dismissal, a year before his contract was due to end.

Rijkaard made a disappointing last home appearance on Sunday, his team wasting a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Mallorca. He was applauded and had supporters chanting his name when he emerged from the bench in the 16th minute. Before the game, supporters lifted banners expressing gratitude.

Joan Laporta, the club president, was jeered, with fans carrying banners demanding his resignation. The team was also jeered by the crowd, especially Samuel Eto’o, Deco and Thierry Henry. The match was attended by just less than 40,000 spectators, the worst attendance at Camp Nou for a league match since Laporta took charge in 2003.

“I’m sad," Rijkaard said after the game. "The supporters are unhappy with this season and as coach I feel sad to see an atmosphere like this.”

Barcelona are about to complete a second straight season without winning a major trophy and could finish the season in fourth place if they fail to win their final game of the season against relegated Murcia at the weekend.

Guardiola is expected to mount a clear-out of players, with Spanish media reporting that Ronaldinho, Gianluca Zambrotta, Lilian Thuram, and Edmilson are sure to leave, and that Eto’o, Deco and Henry could be sold at the right price.