RCD Espanyol ended Manolo González's time as first team coach, without waiting for the scheduled date for the announcement. The decision, announced on Monday, put an end to two and a half years of management that included 107 official matches and the consolidation of the club in the First Division.
González took office in March 2024, succeeding Luis Miguel Ramis, and quickly became a central figure in Espanyolismo. Among his most notable achievements are safeguarding the category, obtaining merit permanences and leading the team to European positions for much of the first half of the 2025-26 season. However, the streak of 18 games without a win that extended until 2026, together with negative results against Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Sestao River, eroded the club's confidence in the coach.
Despite having saved the team with two consecutive victories against Athletic Club (2-0) and Osasuna (1-2), the team's image and poor results led Espanyol to decide on a change of direction. President Alan Pace and the Board of Directors expressed their gratitude to González for his dedication and professionalism, and wished him success in his future endeavors.
The club's statement highlights that, during his stay, González met his sporting objectives and kept the team in the elite of Spanish football, demonstrating his capacity for work and commitment. It is remembered that on September 7 he reached the figure of 100 official matches, becoming the ninth coach with the most matches coached in the club's history and the first to surpass that figure since Mauricio Pochettino.
With the departure of González, Espanyol is preparing to look for a new coach who can reestablish stability and competitiveness in the league. The club will continue to evaluate options and maintain the continuity of its sports project under the direction of the new president and sports management.