Real Betis has announced that its former coach PepeMel, who holds the position of coach with the most games coached in the club's history, is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Seville after suffering a stroke. The family of the former player and former coach requested the publication of the news, which was confirmed by the institution on Sunday. The surgical procedure was completed successfully, but the doctor has indicated that the 63-year-old coach remains under medical observation while his progress is evaluated.
PepeMel is Betis' third most historic coach, with 202 games coached. Only the biggest names in the club's history, ManuelPellegrini (324 games) and LorenzoSerraFerrer (263), surpass his figure. His relationship with the club began as a player, when he wore the green and white shirt between 1989 and 1993 after coming through the Real Madrid youth academy. During that stage he played 132 games and scored 58 goals, winning the Second Division Pichichi trophy with 23 goals in his first season.
His first stage as a coach began in July 2010, when Betis was playing in the Second Division. With his leadership, the team achieved promotion at the end of the 2010‑11 season. In the 2013‑14 campaign the club returned to the Europa League, but Mel was dismissed on December 2, 2013, before the team ended its European participation and ended up being relegated. He returned to the bench on December 23, 2014, guiding Betis to another promotion to the First Division in the 2014-15 season, when the club secured promotion with a 3-0 victory over Alcorcón at the Villamarín. In the last 24 games of that campaign, the team recorded three losses, six draws and the rest victories.
Throughout his career, PepeMel has managed several Spanish teams, such as Murcia, Tenerife, Getafe, Alavés, Rayo Vallecano, Deportivo, Las Palmas, Málaga and Almería. He has also worked outside of Spain, managing West Brom, OFI Crete and Ittihad Tangier until March 2026. His career demonstrates extensive experience in both the Spanish league and international football.
Real Betis has asked PepeMel's family to maintain confidentiality regarding his health, while the club continues to support the former coach in his recovery process. The club's fans and community are awaiting news about its evolution and the possible continuity of its relationship with Betis in the future.