Tito Vilanova set to step down as Barcelona coach after suffering relapse

Vilanova

Barcelona have called a press conference this evening, where they are expected to announce that Tito Vilanova will resign as coach of the Catalan side, because he has reportedly suffered a cancer relapse.
The statement read: “This Friday at 20:30, there will be a press conference featuring president Sandro Rosell and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta in the press room at the Ciudad Deportiva.”

ESPN FC columnist Graham Hunter told Sky Sports News: “Off the record, the directors are briefing that Tito Vilanova has come to them following the regular check-ups that you would expect for somebody who has had such intense radiotherapy and chemotherapy to fight off a cancerous tumour in his saliva gland.
“It’s been affecting him now for 18 months, maybe a little bit more, and the check-ups have shown that there is a renewed problem.”
The 44-year-old took over Barca following Pep Guardiola’s resignation at the end of the 2011/2012 season and led the club to the League title this year. He was initially diagnosed with the problem in December last year, but returned to Spain in March, after treatment in New York. His assistant, Rubi, is expected to take over the team.