Sevilla Manager Diagnosed With Chronic Leukemia

Sevilla Manager Diagnosed With Chronic Leukemia

By Max Wise

For the second time in under 18 months, a manager of Spanish La Liga side Sevilla has been diagnosed with cancer after Joaquin Caparros revealed he has chronic leukemia.

Caparros,63, made the revelation after Sevilla’s 2-0 away win at Real Valladolid lifted them to fifth on the Spanish La Liga table, a point behind Getafe, who occupy the fourth Champions League spot.

Caparros was only appointed by the Andalusians in the middle of March on a deal that lasts until the end of the season after they parted company with Pablo Machin.

Speaking to reporters in his post-match news conference, Caparros said: "Everyone knows I have Sevilla in my blood, but there has been a problem with my white and red blood cells and I have been told that I have chronic leukemia.

"It doesn't impede me from doing my job. I have caught it early and can live a normal life from day to day. I am not receiving any treatment, so everyone should remain calm.

"I want to enjoy the opportunity the president and the board have given me, enjoy coaching in every sense. I'm more determined than ever.

"What I do want to say is that I won't talk about the subject anymore, but I want to make sure everyone remains calm."

In November 2017, Eduardo Berizzo was also diagnosed with prostate cancer whiles in charge of Sevilla but was sacked just a month later after returning from surgery.

Chronic leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and tends to progress slowly over many years.

It mostly affects people over the age of 60 and is rare in people under 40 as children are almost never affected.