Bacalona News: Tito Vilanova "Could Mix Work With Treatment"
Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova to undergo surgery.
Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova "could mix work with treatment" according to a statement by The Clubs Medical Services, dispelling fears he may have to resign. Earlier in the day, we reported that the 44 year old had resigned in the wake of the news that a regression of a cancerous tumour had relapsed a fight with cancer. Vilanova first battled the illness in November last year and will undergo surgery this week. However, the statement, released through the clubs medical services, offers hope he may be able to resume his career: An extension of the pathology has been detected in parotid gland. The manager requires surgery which he will undergo this Thursday. He is expected to remain in hospital for three to four days. "After the surgery, Francesc Tito Vilanova will undergo chemotherapy and rediation treatment for approximately six weeks. During this time, and depending on how well he recovers, Vilanovas treatment may be compatible with his work life. "Keeping in line with the patients wishes, we urge respect and privacy during this process.Meanwhile, micro social-media site Twitter was abuzz with messages of support for Vilanova, with former World Number 1 Tennis ace Rafa Nadal and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos paying respect to the ailing manager.
The above Tweets read: "All my strength and support to Tito Vilanova. We are with you to overcome this." and "Lots of courage to Tito Vilanova and his relatives. We are all one football family." Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola after he took a sabbatical from the sport in June, and quickly adopted the same philosophy as his predecessor, for whom he worked under as an assistant for years. Barcelona are currently top of La Liga, 9 points ahead of nearest rivals Atletico Madrid. Vilanova has also led the club to the knock out stages of the Champions League and this week was awaiting the draw to see who the club would be paired with in the last 16. Since taking charge of the Catalan club, Vilanova has won 23 of his 27 matches in all competitions.