Manolo Gonzalez Out as Espanyol Coach After 4-3 Loss

Madrid, October 28: Espanyol have dismissed Manolo Gonzalez as head coach, days after a surprising 4-3 defeat to fourth-tier Sestao River in the Copa del Rey. The setback has raised fresh concerns about the La Liga club's direction.

In a statement on its official website, RCD Espanyol announced that Gonzalez's tenure as first-team coach had come to an end.

The club thanked him for his work. According to the statement, Gonzalez showed professionalism, commitment and dedication from the moment he took over the team.

The 47-year-old first assumed control of the senior side in March 2024, having been promoted from the reserves. He steered the team back to La Liga at the end of that season.

However, questions over his position grew during a difficult second half of the last campaign. Espanyol went 18 matches across 143 days without a win during that period.

The team began the current season with two wins from its first five league fixtures. Since then, it has gone five matches without a win, adding to the pressure on the manager.

Spanish media had suggested on Tuesday that his position was at risk, and that report has now proved accurate.

The club said Gonzalez departs after more than three seasons and 107 competitive matches in charge of the first team.

In other results, Villarreal beat Monacor 5-0 thanks to goals from Alassane Diatta, Tani Oluwaseyi, Sergi Cardona, Nizar and Nicolas Pepe. Malaga picked up their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Sporting Day Alcazar.

In that match, Chupe equalised from a penalty in the 71st minute and scored again, before Danny Lorenzo found the net in the 88th minute.

Elche also rallied after falling behind, defeating sixth-tier UD Pinatar 3-1. Ezequiel Ponce struck twice, and Ali Hourri scored the decisive third goal.