Tito Vilanova resigns as FC Barcelona coach


Tito Vilanova has stepped down as Barca coach and handed in his resignation after the sad news that his cancer has relapsed for a second time.

The Blaugrana coach confirmed last night the departure of coach Tito Vilanova who today handed in his resignation due to health issues. Last season Tito battled with his illness using Jordi Roura as number two coach for many games, only to return at the end of the season to lift the La Liga trophy alongside Eric Abidal.

Tito now has decided to put his health and family first after receiving confirmation of a relapse. He will soon depart for New York to undergo full time treatment on his cancer.

Barca president Sandro Rosell said in a brief press conference with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta that the club hopes to unveil a new manager as early as next week.

The press conference was full of players with sad faces, full of anxiety. It looked like Tito Vilanova would not be returning to the club and the players knew it. The most important thing is for Tito to be strong and overcome this terrible blow.

The president tried to end the press conference on a somewhat positive note but failed to cheer up the room full of players. The news of a second relapse has hit the team hard and no words can describe how the Catalan team are feeling at the moment.

Rosell said: “I’m going to give a piece of news that I would never have liked to give. After evaluating the results of routine tests carried out on Tito Vilanova, he is to undergo treatment that will be incompatible with the role of coach.

“On behalf of Tito Vilanova and his family, I wish to ask for respect for his privacy.”

He continued: “In the coming days, the vice-president of the club, Josep María Bartomeu, and the sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, will present the new coach, probably at the beginning of next week.”

The president concluded: “This is a huge blow, but we have overcome many others.”

As a result of this tragic news, Barca will not be travelling to Poland tomorrow, where they were geared up to take on Lechia Gdansk in their first pre-season friendly game.

Barcelona will instead start their pre-season campaign next Wednesday, when they travel to Germany to face former coach Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

About Aaron

My name's Aaron and I'm a great Barça fan. I like to tell it like it is and if there is something I don't like about the club or something that needs addressing, you'll know!

Comments

  1. adetola omotola bolton says

    Its a huge blow for barcelona to tito vilanova regins due because of his illiness I wish him well recovery ooooo

  2. Bethel Mghu says

    It is sad to learn this from the local media here in Nigeria. Focusing on the fight against his cancer, i know, will do him good. The team may not be better for it though.

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  1. Información Bitacoras.com…

    Valora en Bitacoras.com: FC Barcelona gave some tragic news last night that Tito Vilanova will not be continuing on as coach. According to La Vanguardia, Tito handed in his resignation this morning after receiving news of a second relapse of his canc…..