Saturday, July 20, 2013

Vilanova steps down as Barcelona coach after cancer relapse

updated 4:04 PM EDT, Fri July 19, 2013

Tito Vilanova took over from Josep Guardiola as Barcelona coach in June 2012.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Tito Vilanova steps down as coach of Spanish champions Barcelona
  • Club cited health reasons as the 45-year-old battles cancer
  • Vilanova succeeded Pep Guardiola in June 2012
  • First diagnosed with cancerous throat tumor in 2011

(CNN) -- Tito Vilanova stepped down as Barcelona coach Friday after the Spanish champions revealed he needed fresh treatment in his battle against cancer.

Club president Sandro Rosell and sporting director Andoni Zubizaretta made the announcement at a specially convened media conference at the Nou Camp.

The 44-year-old Vilanova led the Catalan giants to the La Liga title last season after succeeding Pep Guardiola in June 2012.

Read: Barcelona wrap up La Liga title

But he spent nearly three months on the sidelines after having surgery followed by a course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in New York.

Vilanova, a long-time assistant to Guardiola, had first been diagnosed with a cancerous tumor of the throat in November 2011, but after having initial treatment returned to work in less than three weeks.

He was appointed to the top job when his old boss quit and under his charge Barcelona made a storming start to last season.

After his return in March following his treatment, they wrapped up the domestic title, but suffered a semifinal humiliation to Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinals.

Read: Barcelona crushed by Bayern in semifinals

Vilanova had been preparing his squad for the new season, but following news of his fresh health problems, the club announced their trip to Poland for a friendly with Lechia Gdansk Saturday had been canceled.

Barcelona said assistant coach Joan Francesc Ferrer Sicilia would take temporary charge and Rosell said a new coach would be appointed "probably early next week."

Vilanova's battle with cancer has occurred in tandem with Eric Abidal, the French international defender, who was diagnosed with a liver tumor.

When Barcelona clinched their 22nd La Liga title last season, club captain Carles Puyol stepped aside to allow Vilanova and Abidal to initially lift the trophy in recognition of their brave battles against illness.

Abidal left the Catalan giants at the end of the season when he was not offered a fresh playing contract.

Several Barcelona players, including Argentina star Lionel Messi and Puyol, attended Friday's announcement of Vilanova's latest setback.

Part of complete coverage on

CNN's John Sinnott examines the complex relationship between football managers and their number twos.

updated 9:26 AM EDT, Thu July 4, 2013

Fast cars, fast women and fast on their way to court -- it would seem some footballers are renowned for flouting the rules when it comes to the need to speed.

updated 10:21 AM EDT, Tue July 16, 2013

Brazil's 3-0 win over Spain in the Confederations Cup final brought to an end an event that was designed as a test run for the 2014 World Cup hosts.

updated 8:31 AM EDT, Wed June 19, 2013

In Brazil many believe the World Cup has seen the rich line their pockets, while the poor make do with crumbling public services.

updated 10:20 AM EDT, Fri June 21, 2013

Women wanted him. Men wanted to be him.

No European team has ever won a World Cup in South America, but that could likely change next year, says CNN's John Sinnott.

updated 3:50 PM EDT, Fri June 14, 2013

Brazil's fans were ready to celebrate a first World Cup triumph, but what happened next has left a burning scar in the nation's psyche.

NN World Sport examines why racism continues to be a problem in football and what is being done to tackle discrimination.

updated 8:07 AM EDT, Thu June 13, 2013

Germany's Under-21s may bowed out of the European Championship Finals in Israel, but their experiences left a lasting impression.

Be part of CNN's coverage of European Champions League matches and join the social debate.

CNN's James Masters has had a close look at the next generation of European football stars at the U21 championship in Israel.

updated 10:25 AM EDT, Thu June 6, 2013

A former Palestinian player, once held without charge for three years, is campaigning for a boycott of Israel's staging of a major European tournament.

updated 6:52 AM EDT, Thu May 23, 2013

When Germany's two biggest soccer clubs go head-to-head in the Champions League final, there can only be one winner: German industry.

updated 9:56 AM EDT, Wed May 22, 2013

The Bundesliga model of sustainability is very much in vogue. But are Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund creating a dangerous duopoly?

updated 6:15 AM EDT, Thu May 23, 2013

CNN takes an exclusive look at the venue of the Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/19/sport/football/football-vilanova-barcelana-cancer/index.html?eref=rss_latest

Google Fiber Boston Strong Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev Boston Bombing Suspect fbi Watertown Ma Krystle Campbell

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.