Espanyol Dismisses Manolo Gonzalez After Shocking Copa del Rey Defeat to Fourth-Tier Sestao

Espanyol has officially ended its relationship with head coach Manolo Gonzalez after a stunning 4-3 extra-time defeat to fourth-tier Sestao River Club in the Copa del Rey. The Catalan club announced the decision on Tuesday, marking a dramatic end to Gonzalez’s tenure following this historic upset.

Catalan Club Reacts to Cup Shock

The loss to Sestao shook Spanish football and pushed Espanyol’s leadership to act swiftly. Gonzalez faced immense pressure before the match, openly admitting his job was at risk. The nature of the defeat left little room for hesitation as the board moved quickly to replace him.

Gonzalez’s time at Espanyol spanned over three seasons, during which he managed 107 official matches. His reign included navigating highs and lows, maintaining top-flight stability that earned respect from fans and executives alike—until recent results began to unravel his standing.

Club Acknowledges Coach’s Contributions

In an official statement, RCD Espanyol expressed gratitude for Gonzalez’s efforts despite the latest setbacks:

• Duration: Over three seasons and 107 official games
• Impact: Left a personal and professional mark on the team both on and off the pitch
• Appreciation: Recognized for professionalism, dedication, and how he handled various sporting challenges

The club also wished Gonzalez success in future endeavors, showing respect despite the disappointment.

Gonzalez Accepts Full Responsibility

After the devastating cup loss, Gonzalez appeared emotional and openly took responsibility for the team's failure. He described the defeat as one of the lowest moments of his career, reflecting awareness that his departure was imminent:

"I’m feeling really down, completely shattered, and bearing the full weight of responsibility for everything. It’s one of the worst days of my life, without a doubt," Gonzalez said.

Relegation Threat Intensifies for Espanyol

The timing of the sacking also ties into Espanyol's troubling position in La Liga. With four losses in their last five league matches, the club has fallen into the relegation zone. Sitting 18th with only eight points, the threat of dropping to the Segunda Division looms large.

The search for a new manager begins immediately as Espanyol prepares for a crucial league match against Villarreal on Friday.

• Upcoming Matches:
• 30 Oct 2026, La Liga: Villarreal vs. Espanyol, 22:00
• 1 Nov 2026, Segunda Federación: Espanyol vs. Sestao, 18:00