Vilanova Set to Step Down as Barcelona Boss

Reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has stepped down from the role due to the discovery of a tumour.Despite the fact that no official announcement has been made by the Catalonian giants, the club has cancelled all media commitments, including the annual Christmas lunch event for the media.Vilanova was forced to undergo surgery to remove a tumour during his time as assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, but he was given the all-clear to return to his post shortly afterwards. It seems that the cancer has returned - although the club have not confirmed any details regarding its coach.The Catalonian giants have stated that no announcements will be made as to Vilanova's successor until he has had a chance to personally inform the players. This is not the first time Barcelona has had to deal with the distress and anguish of cancer. The news of Vilanova's departure coincides with Eric Abidal's return to the game after being given the all-clear following a liver transplant.Attention will now turn to the list of possible replacements for Vilanova. There has been no official word as yet, but the club is expected to make a formal statement later today.You can buy tickets for La Liga, Real Madrid tickets and Barcelona tickets securely - right here at LiveFootballTickets.