Sevilla’s Coach, Eduardo Berizzo diagnosed with cancer

Sevilla’s Argentine coach, Eduardo Berizzo has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The club confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday, just hours after Berizzo’s side staged a remarkable comeback against Liverpool in the Champions League.

The statement reads in part: “The medical services of Sevilla FC can inform that the coach of the first team, Eduardo Berizzo, has been diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the prostate.

“Further tests will determine which steps to follow regarding his treatment.

“Sevilla FC wants to show their full support to the coach right now and wishes him a speedy recovery.”

Berizzo, 48, made no statement on his health when speaking to the media after the Spanish side came from 3-0 down at half-time to draw 3-3 against the five-time European champions.

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.

Several, Sevilla players had hailed Berizzo’s powers of motivation to orchestrate their second-half fight back.

“We had to come out with a different attitude for the fans and for the boss, he made us play like that,” said Argentine international Ever Banega.

“He turned the situation around in the second-half.”

Meanwhile, Spanish football has rallied round Berizzo with numerous clubs, including his former side Celta sending their support.

“All our strength and support for Berizzo,” the Galicians posted on Twitter.

“Be strong boss, you are in the best place in the world to not give in because there they never give up,” said Sevilla’s legendary former sporting director Monchi, who joined Roma earlier this year.

It remains to be seen whether Berizzo will need to take time away from his duties as coach to concentrate on his recuperation.