"I don't have anything riding on the result of this game. I like to experience this profession calmly. I am sorry, but there are more important things in my life," Vilanova told a news conference on Wednesday.
Vilanova's side host the La Liga champions in the Spanish Super Cup first leg on Thursday in a match that should be a flavour of things to come between the two fierce rivals over another long and hard season.
"I know it is important, but I couldn't do my job properly if I was worrying whether the world would fall on top of me if we lost," added Vilanova, who was jabbed in the eye by Real boss Jose Mourinho in the Super Cup last August during a scuffle.
Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season, had a remarkable record against Real and in his four seasons at the helm won nine out of 15 'Clasicos', drew four and lost only twice.
"Neither team is at its optimum level at present. I don't see much of a difference between them at present."
Vilanova did not say whether the 19 million euros Cameroon international could get his first minutes against Mourinho's side.
"We will decide tomorrow. He has only been here a short time. He is a player with great ability, but we shall see. I think he will adapt and fit in very quickly."
