News Focus
- Monchi will become Espanyol sporting director if the club stays in La Liga
- The former Sevilla chief watched the defeat to Real Madrid at RCDE Stadium last weekend
- Owner Alan Pace invited him to discuss the role ahead of next season
- Current director Fran Garagarza remains on leave following a heart attack earlier this year
- Sergio Ramos could block the move if his bid to buy Sevilla succeeds
Renowned football director Monchi is preparing for a dramatic return to Spanish football. The legendary former Sevilla sporting director has agreed to take charge at Espanyol next season. However, this deal depends on one crucial condition. The Catalan club must avoid relegation from La Liga.
Monchi visited the RCDE Stadium last Sunday. He watched Espanyol lose 2-0 to Real Madrid. Club owner Alan Pace invited him to the match. Pace hopes to convince Monchi to lead their project. Spanish newspaper Marca reports that the agreement is already in place. But Espanyol must secure their top-flight status first.
The situation creates uncertainty for current sporting director Fran Garagarza. He has taken leave from his duties. This followed a heart attack earlier this season. Garagarza still has one year remaining on his contract. He has not received any news about his future with the club.
If Monchi joins, he will receive significant funds to strengthen the squad. His first task involves selecting the right manager. Espanyol have failed to win any of their last 17 matches. Manolo Gonzalez currently manages the team. Monchi plans to speak with Gonzalez before considering other candidates.
One possible replacement is Jose Bordalas. The Getafe manager will leave his club this summer. Monchi respects Bordalas for achieving results with small budgets. He believes the coach could improve Espanyol with better resources. Monchi and his assistant Fernando Navarro are monitoring this option.
However, another opportunity might tempt Monchi away. Sergio Ramos is negotiating to buy Sevilla. The former Real Madrid captain wants to own his boyhood club. Monchi recently stated he would listen if Ramos calls him. He told El Chiringuito, “If they call me, I have to listen.”
Both potential deals face similar conditions. Ramos will only purchase Sevilla if they remain in La Liga. The club currently fights to avoid the drop. If Sevilla go down, the consortium may withdraw their offer. This would end Ramos’s hopes of bringing Monchi back to the club.