Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova has today had surgery on his salivary gland as he prepares to battle his second bout of cancer. Vilanova last year underwent similar surgery when a cancerous tumour was removed from his throat and now faces the same process with six weeks of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to follow.
The Catalan club released a statement at 6pm last night confirming the reports which had streamed out prior to the official announcement. Club President Sandro Rosell expressed his unconditional support to Tito and his family. Rosell also stated that Vilanova ‘could be able to mix work with treatment where possible’. Club rivals Real Madrid also gave their support by posting a goodwill message on their official website and manager Jose Mourinho is said to have sent a personal message to Vilanova.
Reports began to circulate linking former boss Pep Guardiola with the job on an interim basis while Vilanova was absent but Sporting Director Antoni Zubizarreta dismissed these claims. Instead Vilanova’s assistant Jordi Roura will take charge of Saturday’s game with Valladolid and any intervening matches where Vilanova cannot be present.
It is Barcelona’s second battle with the disease as Eric Abidal has too been through a similar process. The French full-back had to have a tumour removed from his liver before undergoing a transplant but he is now training for the first time since his surgery.
Vilanova’s surgery comes at an awkward time for himself personally and Barcelona as they currently lead the table having made the best ever start to a La Liga season. Barca are yet to lose in La Liga, having won 15 of their 16 matches and drawing the other game against Real Madrid. Barca are also through in the knockout stages of the Champions League and will face AC Milan in February. The lack of a big game until February was reported as being a prime factor as to why Barcelona have not appointed a boss on a short term basis to fill in for Vilanova.
Various players and sporting figures from around the world have tweeted their support for Vilanova in this difficult time. Striker David Villa posted ‘Much strength to a great person. I am with you in your fight and for sure everything will be fine #AnimosTito’.
Mikel Arteta tweeted ‘All my support and energy to Tito Vilanova and his family on these tough moments’.
Vilanova’s son Adria tweeted his gratitude in response to these messages. ‘Many thanks to everyone for the support. You’re great, everything will be fine. Greetings.’
It goes without saying that on behalf of La Liga Blog, we all wish Tito well in his treatment and hope to see him in the Nou Camp dugout as soon as possible.
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