Barcelona sports chief Andoni Zubizarreta insists Tito Vilanova remains their head coach.

It's been confirmed Vilanova faces new cancer surgery.

Speculation in the Spanish press has already linked Pep Guardiola, who left the club to take a year-long sabbatical in the summer, with a return, but Zubizarreta denied any contact had been made.

Barca travel to Real Valladolid on Saturday before the winter break and Zubizarreta emphasised Vilanova remained in charge.

"Tito is our coach and will continue to be our coach," he said. "Jordi (Roura) will be on the sidelines for Valladolid, but all the rest is pure speculation."

Zubizarreta also expressed his shock at the news, saying: "It was difficult news to hear this morning.

"Tito's only concern has centred on his children and his family. The only person he has not spoken of is himself."