According to reports from Spain, Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has stepped down from his post after suffering a tumor relapse.

The coach had a tumour removed from his parotid gland in November last year while working as the Catalan club's assistant coach.

The operation was a success, and Vilanova returned to work with Barca, eventually taking over from Pep Guardiola when he stepped down in April.

Spanish television station Cuatro reported that Vilanova had suffered a relapse and had decided to step down with immediate effect.

Barcelona have already contacted their first-choice candidate to replace him on a temporary basis for the remainder of the season and are awaiting a decision.

"Very sorry to hear the news," Barca midfielder Xavi said on his official Twitter account.

Barca released a press statement this morning announcing they had suspended all activities for today but did not go into details and did not mention Vilanova.

The club confirmed a further announcement would be made later today.

The statement 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."

Despite there being no official confirmation about the condition of Vilanova, there have been messages of support from leading figures in Spanish sport.

Tennis star Rafael Nadal tweeted: "All my strength and support to Tito Vilanova! We are with you to overcome this new step."

Real Betis said on their official twitter feed: "RBetisOficial and their professionals offer their total support for the coach of FCBarcelona-es, Tito Vilanova."

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera was quoted as saying in AS: "I'm stunned. Is it true? Tito has shown himself to be a fighter, overcoming a very serious illness and I hope that it's going to be the same this time. He has all of my support and that of the club."

MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo, meanwhile, tweeted: "£AnimoTito (encouragement for Tito)."

It is not known when Barcelona are expected to issue a new statement but the first-team squad are scheduled to train this evening at 1800 local time.

Barca are away to Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday for their final fixture before the winter break.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/tito-vilanova-suffers-tumour-relapse-1496889

Real Madrid don winch Barca. Sorry Tito Vilanova. Get well soonest.