Tito Vilanova quits as Barcelona coach due to cancer relapse
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| Tito Vilanova is now set to concentrate on fighting cancer for a second time this year Photo: Getty Images |
According to the newspaper La Vanguardia, Vilanova handed in his resignation on Friday morning after finding out about the deterioration of his health.
As a result of this upsetting news, Saturday's friendly against Lechia Gdańsk in Poland has been canceled.
Barcelona president Sandro Rosell told a press conference: "I'm going to announce a piece of news that I would never have wished to announce.
"After evaluating the results of routine tests carried out on Tito Vilanova, he is to undergo a course of treatment that is incompatible with being our first-team coach this season.
"On behalf of Tito and his family, I wish to ask everyone to show the utmost respect for his privacy."
Vilanova, who only replaced Pep Guardiola 12 months ago, had previously had a tumor on his parotid gland removed in November 2011, but suffered a relapse a year later and was forced to have another surgery.
The 44-year-old spent some of last term in a New York hospital, overlooking training sessions using Skype at times to guide Barcelona to the La Liga title.
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| Tito Vilanova missed a large portion of last season after a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy Photo: Getty Images |
Rosell added: "Life goes on. This is obviously a hard blow to take, but Barça has overcome blows like this in the past and this will be no exception.
"I am asking you all to show understanding and to remember that we are talking about people, not just the club."
And there was an outpouring of support from the world of football and sport in general via Twitter offering their well wishes to Vilanova.
We would like to send our support, affection, and solidarity to Tito Vilanova, his family, friends, and FC Barcelona. #GetWellSoonTito
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) July 19, 2013
Jose Mourinho, his coaching staff and the Chelsea players also all send their best wishes to Tito Vilanova for his fast recovery.
— Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) July 19, 2013
All my support for Tito and his family, we are with you #getwellsoonTito #AnimsTito
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata10) July 19, 2013
Mucha fuerza para Tito Vilanova. Estoy seguro que se recuperará muy pronto. #AnimsTito
— Claro Ronaldo (@ClaroRonaldo) July 19, 2013
The first and most important thing in life is health. My best wishes to Tito Vilanova in this difficult moment. #ànimsTito #GetWellSoon
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) July 19, 2013
Tornaràs a sofrir, tornaràs a lluitar i tornaràs a véncer. #ànimsTito
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) July 20, 2013
Todo mi ánimo para Tito Vilanova. Estamos contigo. Mucha fuerza! My whole support goes to Tito. We stand with you. Stay strong! #AnimsTito
— Sergio Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) July 19, 2013
El fútbol es efímero igual q sus triunfos y derrotas.Toda mi fuerza para Tito Vilanova y su familia!!Animo!!este partido tb lo vas a ganar!
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) July 19, 2013
All the strength for you, Tito. We are all with you, all my support. #ÀnimsTito
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) July 20, 2013
Un abrazo fuerte para Tito y toda su familia. Mucha fuerza para seguir luchando en este momento tan difícil
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) July 19, 2013
All my support and courage for Tito and his family.
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) July 19, 2013
Por muy larga que sea la tormenta, el sol siempre vuelve a brillar entre las nubes. Mucho ánimo Tito #AnimoTito
— David De Gea (@D_DeGea) July 20, 2013
Tot el meu suport a Tito i la seva família!! All my support to Tito and his family! #ànimsTito !! Tornaràs a vèncer!!
— Marc Muniesa (@muniesa24) July 19, 2013
Todos los ánimos del mundo para Tito y su familia. Estamos todos contigo!!! #ànimsTito
— Thiago Alcantara (@Thi_Alcantara91) July 19, 2013
Muchos ánimos a Tito Vilanova y toda su familia. My best wishes to Tito Vilanova and his family.
— Santi Cazorla (@19SCazorla) July 19, 2013
Animo Tito. Ères grande. Siempre a tu lado. Un abrazo enorme. EA22 pic.twitter.com/fgiGRAgQJH
— Eric Abidal (@EAbidalOfficial) July 19, 2013
Some names that are currently being linked with the post are André Villas-Boas, Michael Laudrup, Luis Enrique, and Frank de Boer.
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