Monchi ‘to become’ Espanyol sporting director if they stay up | OneFootball

Marca states that Monchi has agreed to become Espanyol’s sporting director next season if the club remain in La Liga. It would be the former Sevilla chief’s second top-flight role in Spain, with Fran Garagarza expected to be replaced at season’s end.

He attended Espanyol’s 2-0 defeat by Real Madrid at the RCDE Stadium last Sunday, an invitation extended by owner Alan Pace. Diario AS adds that the visit formed part of Pace’s effort to persuade him, while Garagarza, currently on leave after a heart attack earlier this season and with a year left on his deal, has not been informed about his future.

Monchi has been promised significant investment in the squad if he signs on, and his first decision will be the head coach position. Sport reports he would hold talks with current manager Manolo Gonzalez before considering other options. Espanyol are winless in 17, yet survival this season remains possible.

Among potential replacements is Getafe manager Jose Bordalas. The experienced coach is set to depart the Coliseum at the end of the season, and Monchi admires his work with limited resources, believing greater backing could lift Espanyol. He is one of the candidates being assessed by Monchi and assistant Fernando Navarro.

Another caveat is Sergio Ramos. The former Real Madrid defender is negotiating to buy Sevilla, and Monchi said, “if Ramos calls, I’ll have to listen”, speaking to El Chiringuito.

Source: Football Espana