Barcelona manager Tita Vilnova has resigned from his post on medical grounds, according to Andy Gray and Richard Keys on
Talksport radio, reporting from Spanish media sources and twitter. Vilanova had surgery to remove a cancerous tumour from the parotid gland in his upper neck in November last year. It is thought a regression has relapsed a fight with cancer that has reportedly forced him to step down. A press statement
released by the club this afternoon read:
"Barcelona announce that it is has suspended the press conference from president Sandro Rosell planned for midday. As well as that, the media Christmas lunch has been cancelled. "Later today the club will issue a further release. Until that time we will not make any announcement about this matter. We regret any inconvenience this decision may cause."
A further update from
Talksport radio claims that Vilanova is currently being operated on in a Spanish hospital. Current assistant manager Jordi Roura will take charge of Barcelona's weekend La Liga game against Valladolid. 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. More Follows.