MADRID — Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has suffered a relapse on the cancer in his saliva glands, Spanish daily El Pais reported Wednesday citing sources at the club. The 44-year-old Vilanova, who underwent surgery on a tumor in his glands in November last year, stepped up from his role as assistant to replace Pep Guardiola as first-team coach for this season. The La Liga leader put out a statement canceling a Christmas event planned with local media and president Sandro Rosell in the morning, saying the reasons would be given later. Vilanova is to have surgery Thursday followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the next six weeks, the La Liga leader said in a statement later in the day. “While monitoring his parotid gland a change has been detected in his condition that requires surgery,” Barca said. “Very sorry to hear the news,” Barca midfielder Xavi said on his official Twitter account, as messages of support flooded in. Vilanova was out of action for around three weeks after surgery last year, but returned to the dugout to help Guardiola for the last six months of the 2011-12 campaign. The quietly-spoken Catalan said the experience had left him with a different perspective on life, at his presentation in June. Vilanova has guided the team to the top of La Liga with 15 wins in 16 games, nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, and into the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners. — Agencies
