Espanyol director forced to apologise after choosing Barcelona star for Ballon d’Or: ‘I should have said anyone else’ | OneFootball

Monchi has apologised to Espanyol fans after his decision to back Barcelona star Lamine Yamal for the Ballon d’Or sparked an uncomfortable reaction among the club’s fanbase.

The Espanyol sporting director was recently asked to choose his preferred candidate for this year’s individual prize, with Yamal, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane among the names discussed.

Despite the long-standing rivalry between Espanyol and Barcelona, Monchi selected the teenage winger, stating,

“I do shoot for being Spanish; I think Lamine would deserve it,” he had said.

His answer eventually became a talking point among Espanyol supporters, forcing Monchi to explain why he had backed a player from their city rivals.

Monchi explains why he chose Barcelona star

Monchi has apologised to the Espanyol fans. (Photo by Martin Meissner/Pool via Getty Images)

Monchi has now addressed the reaction during an appearance on Cadena SER, making clear that his answer was influenced by Yamal’s nationality rather than his club allegiance.

“I was asked to choose between Mbappe, who is French, Harry Kane, who is English, and Lamine Yamal, who is Spanish, and I went for the Spanish option.”

The former Sevilla sporting director acknowledged that his response had not gone down particularly well with sections of the Espanyol fanbase.

“I’ve caused a bit of a stir amongst Espanyol fans,” he admitted.

“If anyone has taken offence, I apologise,” he noted regarding his comments.

Espanyol rivalry made Monchi’s answer complicated

Monchi had backed Lamine Yamal to win the Ballon d’Or. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Despite speaking about his personal preference, Yamal’s Barcelona connection inevitably made Monchi’s answer more sensitive given the rivalry between the two Catalan clubs.

Monchi acknowledged that difference while explaining the thinking behind his original response.

He backed Yamal “because I was taking the Spanish side, but as an Espanyol fan I should have said anyone else.”

Furthermore, Monchi stressed that his answer was driven by national pride rather than any desire to favour Barcelona.

“I know what it means to be an Espanyol fan, but I said Lamine Yamal whilst flying the Spanish flag,” he concluded.