Tito Vilanova to potentially leave Barcelona due to Illness

Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova is set to step down from his post after suffering a relapse of a tumor he had removed last year.

The 44-year-old had a tumor on his parotid gland removed in emergency surgery last November when he was the club's assistant manager.

The parotid gland is the largest of the human salivary glands.

But during a recent medical check-up, it was found that the tumor had returned.

He took over the top job after Pep Guardiola stepped down in April this year, signing a two-year contract.

Barcelona are currently nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

They cancelled a scheduled press conference on Wednesday as the news broke, as well as the staff Christmas party.

Barcelona have announced that no decision will be made on a potential replacement until Vilanova has spoken to the players this afternoon.

The news broke on the same day defender Eric Abidal was given the all-clear to resume his playing career following a liver transplant.

Source:dailymail

Guardiola to make an immediate return?

Doubt it.

Awful awful news.

Xavi as player manager?

I expect Pep to take over until Tito is healthy enough to regain control or at least until the Summer

Kay Fabe wrote:I expect Pep to take over until Tito is healthy enough to regain control or at least until the Summer

Yeah, that's what I meant rather than a permanent Guardiola return.

Awful news for such a young man as well. Hope he makes a speedy recovery and is back in management sooner rather than later.

I think Pep will take over until the end of the season. He knows how the club works its just a straight fit. He'll do it for his good friend as well and its ideal for all parties involved.

I feel really sorry for Tito, hope he recovers in good time and can get back to the excellent job he's been doing.

I doubt Pep will go back for such a short time, there are in-house options that can take the reins for a few weeks.

After coming back towards the end of last season it appears that Tito has relapsed and a press conference has been called for this evening to announce his departure as Barcelona Manager.