Monchi faces Sevilla for first time as Espanyol director general | OneFootball

Monchi will face Sevilla for the first time on Sunday at 21:00, now as Espanyol’s director general from the stands at RCDE Stadium. He never did so during his spells at AS Roma and Aston Villa.

Linked to Sevilla for 27 seasons as goalkeeper, match delegate and, above all, sporting director, the club became a benchmark in Europe under his stewardship. Zona Mixta notes that during that era Sevilla won seven Europa Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup, two Copas del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.

He first left in 2017 for AS Roma, returning two years later after ending his contract. That second stint frayed, the 2022 summer was especially testing after the sales of Diego Carlos and Koundé, with replacements Marcao and Nianzou underwhelming as finances worsened.

Even so, it ended with another European honour, Sevilla lifted their seventh Europa League in Budapest against Roma. Three days later Monchi asked to leave, citing accumulated strain with senior leaders. He then joined Unai Emery at Aston Villa and, two years on, led San Fernando’s rebuild.

A comeback to Nervión was considered after the underwhelming tenures of Víctor Orta and Antonio Cordón, but he chose a different route. Late last season he attended Espanyol v Sevilla in Cornellà and, after a 2-1 home defeat, finalised his move to Espanyol. He now works at a likely direct rival for survival.

The reunion carries added symbolism after José Ignacio Navarro’s summer dealings reignited belief among Sevilla supporters. It promises an evening steeped in memory and nostalgia.

Source: La Colina De Nervion

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”