Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has suffered a relapse on the cancer in his saliva glands, Spanish daily El Pais reported on Wednesday citing sources at the club.
The 43-year-old Vilanova, who underwent surgery on a tumour in his glands last November, stepped up from his role as assistant coach to replace Pep Guardiola as first-team coach for this season.
The La Liga leaders put out a statement cancelling a Christmas event planned with local media and president Sandro Rosell earlier in the morning, saying the reasons would be given later.
Tito Vilanova factfile
- Francesc ‘Tito’ Vilanova was a friend of Pep Guardiola at Barcelona’s La Masia academy
- After progressing to Barcelona B, the midfielder left the club, spending three years with Celta Vigo
- Following retirement in 2002, the Spaniard joined lower league Barcelona-based side Terrassa FC as technical director
- The 44-year-old was brought back to coach Barca B when Guardiola took control of the side in 2007
- He moved up to the role of Guardiola’s assistant coach at Barcelona when Pep moved up to the top job in 2008
Since taking charge of the Catalan club, Vilanova has won 23 of his 27 matches in all competitions.
The La Liga leaders are nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid after 15 victories in their 16 matches in the Spanish top-flight.
They have also qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, despite one of their two defeats this season being inflicted by Group G rivals Celtic.
