Espanyol appoint Monchi as General Sporting Director with immediate effect | OneFootball

Espanyol have appointed Monchi as General Sporting Director, joining immediately with three games remaining this season.

The club said in a statement that he will report directly to Owner Alan Pace and CEO Mao Ye.

There had been suggestions he might delay taking charge until top-flight safety was secured, with two points currently separating Espanyol from the relegation zone.

Former Sporting Director Fran Garagarza suffered a heart attack earlier this season and has been on leave. It remains unclear whether he will stay in some capacity, but if he does next season, Monchi would be his boss.

Monchi has been at the forefront of recruitment for much of the 21st century, although this decade has proved more difficult. After helping deliver another two Europa Leagues at Sevilla, a series of unsuccessful signings preceded their slide into the relegation fight alongside Espanyol. He also had a spell at Aston Villa that did not work out.

Source: Football Espana