Vilanova steps down as Barca coach due to cancer

BARCELONA, SPAIN (AP) - Tito Vilanova is stepping down as Barcelona’s coach following a recurrence of throat cancer.

Club president Sandro Rosell says Vilanova’s treatment will be “incompatible” with staying on as coach of the Spanish champions.

Rosell made the announcement on Friday at a hurriedly called news conference.

The 44-year-old Vilanova had twice previously had to take a medical break from his duties at Barcelona, once as Pep Guardiola’s assistant in the 2011-12 season and again as its manager last season.

In his single season in charge he led Barcelona to the Spanish league title with a record-tying 100 points.