Espanyol Parts Ways with Coach Manolo Gonzalez After Shocking Cup Defeat

Madrid, October 28 (Daily Kiran) : RCD Espanyol has dismissed coach Manolo Gonzalez following a stunning 4-3 defeat to fourth-tier side Sestao River in the Copa del Rey on October 28. This loss has intensified the club’s ongoing struggles.

In a statement on their website, Espanyol announced, “RCD Espanyol has decided to terminate the contract of Manolo Gonzalez as the club’s coach.”

The club expressed gratitude towards Gonzalez, highlighting his professionalism, commitment, and dedication since taking charge.

Gonzalez, 47, took over the team in March 2024 after being promoted from the reserve side, successfully guiding Espanyol back to La Liga by the end of that season. However, doubts about his position began to surface after a challenging second half of the previous season, during which the team went winless in 18 matches over 143 days.

Despite winning two of their first five league matches this season, Espanyol has since gone five games without a victory, increasing pressure on Gonzalez.

Spanish media had reported on Tuesday that his job was in jeopardy, a prediction that has now come to fruition.

Espanyol noted that Gonzalez leaves after more than three seasons and 107 competitive matches in charge of the first team.

In other matches, Villarreal secured a commanding 5-0 victory over Manacor, thanks to goals from Alasen Dyata, Tani Oluwaseyi, Sergi Cardona, Nizar, and Nicolas Pepe. Malaga recorded their first win of the season with a 3-0 triumph over Sporting de Alcazar. Chupe equalized with a penalty in the 71st minute and scored again, while Danny Lorenzo added a third in the 88th minute.

Elche also made a comeback after going a goal down, defeating sixth-tier UD Pinatar 3-1. Ezequiel Pons scored twice, and Ali Houri sealed the victory with a third goal.