Sevilla coach Berizzo has prostate cancer
MADRID: Sevilla coach Eduardo Berizzo has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will undergo treatment after further tests, the Spanish club said yesterday.
The 48-year-old Argentine saw his side produce a stirring fight back from three goals down to draw 3-3 with Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday night and Spanish media reported that he told his players about the illness at half-time.
“Sevilla’s medical team reports that the first team coach, Eduardo Berizzo, has been diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma in the prostate,” the club said in a statement.
“Future examinations will lead to a decision over what steps to follow in his treatment.
“Sevilla want to offer their maximum support to the coach in these moments and wish him a quick recovery.”
After the match, Argentina international Ever Banega told reporters: “We had to come out [after being 3-0 down at the break] with a different attitude, for the fans, who have always supported us, and also the coach, who has reversed our situation.
“He’s the biggest fan we have. He has taken us on the right path and we’re with him all the way,” he added in comments made before Berizzo’s diagnosis had been made public.
A former centre-back for River Plate, Marseille and Celta Vigo among others, Berizzo is in his first season as Sevilla boss after three successful years in charge of Celta.