Espanyol Names Eder Sarabia as Head Coach Following Manolo Gonzalez Sacking

RCD Espanyol has appointed Eder Sarabia as its new head coach, moving quickly to fill the vacancy left by the dismissal of Manolo Gonzalez. Sarabia has signed a contract that runs through June 30, 2028, and is expected to lead the team in their upcoming La Liga fixture against Villarreal on Friday, October 30.

The managerial change follows a turbulent 24 hours for the Catalan club. Manolo Gonzalez was sacked on Tuesday, October 27, immediately following a 4-3 extra-time loss to fourth-tier Sestao River Club in the first round of the Copa del Rey. The defeat was finalized in the 121st minute by a winning goal from Sestao’s Jon Rojo. Gonzalez leaves after a tenure of 107 official matches.

Sarabia is expected to lead Espanyol in their upcoming match against Villarreal.

While there was initial speculation regarding Sergio García taking interim charge for the weekend, Sporting Director Monchi finalized the deal with Sarabia rapidly enough for the new coach to assume duties for Friday’s debut. Sarabia is best known for his previous work as an assistant to Quique Setién at Barcelona, Real Betis, and Las Palmas.

The primary objective for the new staff is to reverse a decline that has left Espanyol 18th in the league table. The club currently holds eight points after 10 matches, and the early cup exit has heightened the urgency of their domestic campaign. According to The Washington Post, the decision to terminate Gonzalez’s contract was a direct consequence of the “shock” loss to Sestao, which the board viewed as a breaking point given the club’s precarious league standing.

Sarabia’s first test against Villarreal will be a critical indicator of how quickly he can implement his tactical ideas. The “Monchi era” at Espanyol now rests on this appointment to secure top-flight survival and stabilize a squad that has struggled for consistency throughout the early months of the 2026-27 season.

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