Former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager John Toshack has strongly denied reports that he is suffering from dementia, attributing any confusion to the lingering effects of a severe Covid-19 infection. In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, the 75-year-old said: 'Dementia? Not yet!'
Toshack's son Cameron, currently assistant manager at Thai club Buriram United, had previously told the Daily Mail that his father had been diagnosed with dementia, experiencing 'good days and bad days' and struggling with short-term memory. However, Toshack's wife, Mai Angulo, expressed surprise at Cameron's comments, noting that he had not seen his father in two years and only spoke occasionally by phone.
Toshack himself joked about his memory, saying: 'I've forgotten all the goals I missed, but I remember perfectly the ones I scored.' He added that his health issues stem from a severe bout of pneumonia caused by Covid-19 in 2022, which required intensive care. Cameron acknowledged that his father's long-term memory remains sharp, recalling entire line-ups from matches decades ago and offering tactical advice.
Toshack, a Liverpool legend who won nine honours including the European Cup during his playing career, later managed Real Madrid, Swansea City, and the Welsh national team. He helped develop stars such as Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey during his second stint as Wales boss from 2004 to 2010.
