Barcelona Confirm Tito Vilanova Has Stepped Down As Coach Due To Ill Health

Chris Wright

19th, July 2013

4 Comments

By Chris Wright

Spain Soccer Barcelona Coach

Barcelona have scheduled an unexpected press conference for 19:30BST tonight at which Sandro Rosell and Andoni Zubizaretta are reportedly going to announce that Tito Vilanova is to step down as Barca coach with immediate effect.

Nothing’s certain as yet, but sadly it would appear that Tito’s cancer is back, despite him already getting the “all clear” twice following surgery in New York last year.

Vilanova will reportedly be temporarily replaced by assistant coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia, i.e, the man known as Rubi. Meanwhile, Barca are faced with an unexpected search for a new permanent coach, with former Celta Vigo’s Luis Enrique and Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde (who has only been at the Basque club for a few months) thought to be initial candidates for the post.

But, of course, Tito beating cancer once and for all and making a full return to health is the most important thing here.

Animo Tito, get well soon old chap.

UPDATE: Yep, the bad news has now been confirmed by Barcelona as expected. President Sandro Rosell told press that Tito is stepping down after informing the club of his relapse today and that a new coach will be unveiled next week.