E-x Barca Coach Vilanova Suffers Relapse And Undergoes Operation

*Tito

Former FC Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova underwent an emergency operation late on Thursday night as he continues his struggle against cancer Spanish news sources report.
It was reported by Spanish national radio that he is now suffering gastric problems and has had an operation at the Quiron clinic in Barcelona, where his condition has been described as "stable but serious."
The 45-year-old was diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland in 2011, when he was the assistant to Pep Guardiola at the club, but recovered after treatment as was named as first team coach in 2012 when Guardiola announced he was leaving after 4 years in charge.
However, Vilanova suffered a relapse of his illness in December 2012 and had to travel to New York for treatment, returning to work in March last year.
He saw Barcelona through to the BBV Primera Liga title, but had to renounce his position in July 2013 following another relapse which saw him need more treatment, which he considered to be incompatible with his position as first team coach. He was replaced by Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, who is currently in charge of first team affairs at the club.