Tito Vilanova Steps Down As Barcelona Manager Due to Ill Health

UPDATED: Barcelona have announced that manager Tito Vilanova will step down in charge of the team due to ill health.

A press conference was convened this afternoon where club officials revealed that Vilanova has had a relapse from his parotid gland cancer condition. Vilanova was first diagnosed with the disease in 2011. He underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy late last year, and returned to action as manager in March of 2013 after Jordi Roura had managed the squad in his absence.

The news that Vilanova has stepped down will come as a huge blow to Barcelona. Meanwhile, Spanish website Sport speculates that Joan Francesc Ferrer (aka Rubi) is set to become the temporary manager to fill Vilanova’s shoes.

Barcelona announced during the press conference that they’ll announce the new manager next week. It’s understood that the new hire will come from outside the club rather than promoting a coach to the top position.

According to the official club website, “President Sandro Rosell announced this Friday afternoon that the Catalan manager will not continue at FC Barcelona due to ongoing treatment of his illness.

“The team will not travel to Poland on Saturday.”

Who do you think will be named as the new manager of Barcelona next week? Post your suggestions in the comments section below.