Sevilla Coach Eduardo Berizzo Diagnosed With Cancer

Sevilla have confirmed their head coach has been diagnosed with cancer after coming from 3-0 down to draw with Liverpool in the Champions League.

Spanish media say Eduardo Berizzo, who is suffering with prostate cancer, told his players at half-time in Tuesday’s game at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Sevilla’s players rushed to Berizzo after Guido Pizarro scored an injury-time equaliser in the 3-3 draw.

A club statement wished the 48-year-old Argentine a “speedy recovery”.

It added: “The medical services of Sevilla FC report that the coach of the first team, Eduardo Berizzo, has been diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma [malignant tumour] of the prostate.

“The future examinations will allow us to decide which are the steps to follow regarding the treatment.”

Berizzo was appointed head coach in the summer on a two-year deal, following a three-year stint at Celta Vigo.

Roberto Firmino scored twice and Sadio Mane added the third as Liverpool dominated the opening 45 minutes of the Group E match, and were set to qualify for the knockout stages with a game to spare before Sevilla’s stunning second-half performance.

Wissam Ben Yedder scored with a header and a penalty in the first 15 minutes of the second half before Pizarro poked in the equaliser in the third of seven added minutes.

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