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

Espanyol have officially relieved Manolo Gonzalez of his duties as head coach after a stunning 4-3 defeat in the Copa del Rey against fourth-tier Sestao River Club. The Catalan club announced the decision on Tuesday, signaling an end to Gonzalez's spell following a humiliating exit that rocked Spanish football.

Catalan Club Reacts to Cup Embarrassment

The loss in extra time to a lower-division side proved to be the breaking point for Espanyol. Gonzalez had been under scrutiny prior to the match, with widespread doubts about his future. The shock nature of the defeat made his departure almost certain, and the board acted swiftly right after the final whistle.

Gonzalez's tenure spanned over three seasons, during which he managed 107 official matches. His time at the RCDE Stadium saw various ups and downs, but he had previously earned respect for maintaining the team's top-flight status before recent struggles emerged.

Club Acknowledges Gonzalez’s Contributions

Espanyol issued a statement thanking Gonzalez for his dedication and efforts throughout his time at the club. They highlighted his professionalism and how he tackled multiple sporting challenges despite the recent downturn in results.

• Duration: Over three seasons
• Matches Managed: 107 official games
• Statement Highlights: Commitment, effort, professionalism, and dedication

"RCD Espanyol, on behalf of club president Alan Pace and the Board of Directors, wish to express our gratitude to Manolo González for the work, commitment, and effort he has shown since taking charge of the first team. The club particularly values the professionalism and dedication he brought to his role, as well as the way he tackled the various sporting challenges he faced. The club wishes him the very best of luck and success in his future endeavours."

Gonzalez Accepts Responsibility for Defeat

Following the devastating loss, an emotional Gonzalez took full responsibility for the team's performance. He described the day as one of the worst in his career, clearly aware that his time at Espanyol was coming to an end after such a significant setback against a much lower-ranked opponent.

"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 admitted.

Relegation Threat Looms Over Espanyol

The timing of Gonzalez's dismissal also reflects the club's precarious position in La Liga. With just eight points and sitting 18th in the standings, Espanyol face the real risk of dropping back to Segunda Division after losing four of their last five matches.

The search for a new manager is underway as the club prepares for a critical league match against Villarreal this Friday.

• Upcoming Matches:
• 30 Oct 2026, La Liga: ESP vs COR at 22:00
• 1 Nov 2026, Segunda Federación: SES vs (I m) at 18:00