Eder Sarabia appointed Espanyol head coach until 2028

Espanyol have made their decision. The Catalan club have officially confirmed the appointment of Eder Sarabia as head coach of the first team, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. The 46-year-old coach, originally from Bilbao according to TuttoMercatoWeb, has signed until 30 June 2028, as stated by Europa Press and Estadio Deportivo.

Monchi's choice

Espanyol's sporting director, Monchi, is behind this decision, according to several sources. Mundo Deportivo had already mentioned an ongoing agreement on Tuesday morning, before the club confirmed the news. According to ElDesmarque, Monchi personally called Eder Sarabia, a move described as "de las mejor valoradas" (among the most appreciated).

Sarabia returns to La Liga after a spell with Elche last season, as ElDesmarque points out. He will be joined by Álvaro González, a former club player, on his coaching staff, adds Estadio Deportivo.

Manolo González's departure

The new coach replaces Manolo González, who was sacked on Monday evening, following a Cup elimination against Sestao River, a lower-division side, according to TuttoMercatoWeb. The newspaper El Mundo confirms the dismissal, as do El País and ABC.

Between González's departure and Sarabia's arrival, Sergio García took charge on an interim basis, as confirmed by Mundo Deportivo. According to ABC, it is in fact Sergio García who will lead the team in the next league match, against Villarreal, before Sarabia's official presentation scheduled for Tuesday.

Criticism over the circumstances of the dismissal

The manner in which Manolo González was removed has drawn criticism, reports ElDesmarque. Blame has been directed at the club and at Monchi, with some describing the exit as "al matadero" (to the slaughterhouse).

Espanyol, currently struggling in the league, hopes this change of direction will revive their momentum. The next appointment is set against Villarreal, with Sergio García on the bench pending Sarabia's official start.