"Espanyol this season has to take a step forward. Looking at the standings it is difficult, but we professionals have to have deeper ambitions. There are many matches left, a lot of margin. First we have to put out a fire, an important one, and then lay the foundations for the present, medium and long term," Monchi told Europa Press, in comments translated from Spanish.

That quote gets to the point of Espanyol's coaching change. Monchi is selling Eder Sarabia as the right long-term fit, but the harder truth is that this is a rescue job first. Espanyol are 18th in La Liga with 8 points from 10 matches, from 2 wins, 2 draws and 6 defeats.

Monchi's case for Sarabia

Monchi's main argument was not really about replacing Manolo González. It was about why Sarabia fits what the club want to become once the immediate panic settles.

Speaking to Europa Press, in comments translated from Spanish, Monchi said: "Of what was on the market, after analyzing all the options, Eder Sarabia was the coach who met the most suitable conditions for what we want the Espanyol project to be."

He also made clear this is not supposed to be an instant transformation. "Looking a little at his career, we have to establish a series of deadlines in the team's improvement," Monchi said in the same interview.

That feels realistic rather than optimistic. Espanyol have scored 12 league goals and conceded 14 in 10 matches, so the squad has not looked settled at either end. Monchi also pointed to Sarabia's energy and staff build, saying the new coach had brought "a lot of excitement, a lot of desire, a lot of hunger and eagerness to start coaching."

Sarabia has signed until 30 June 2028, which tells you Espanyol want this to be more than a short-term fix. Even so, the first days of his reign will be awkward. He is registered already, but he will not sit on the bench against Villarreal.

The crisis behind the reset

The change only makes full sense when you look at the state of the season. Espanyol are in the bottom three after 10 league matches, and their last five league games have brought two draws and three defeats. Their most recent league outing was a 2-1 loss away to Racing Santander.

The cup exit to Sestao River pushed the club into action, but the slide had started before that. Monchi admitted as much when he told Estadio Deportivo, in comments translated from Spanish: "I feel guilty about the current situation. Everyone, and I first, has to give more. The players too."

That shared-responsibility line rings truer than any attempt to pin this on one coach. González has gone, but Espanyol's problems are broader than a dugout switch. The table, the points total and the recent run all say the same thing.

There is still disagreement around how González was told. Monchi, quoted by Estadio Deportivo in translated comments from Spanish, insisted the dismissal was handled "in an affectionate, caring conversation and from personal pain" after the cup defeat. Relevo has cast doubt on that version, so the manner of the exit is not fully settled even if the decision itself clearly was.

The delayed start against Villarreal

Espanyol's next league game is against Villarreal, but Sarabia will have to wait before taking charge from the touchline. Monchi told Europa Press, in comments translated from Spanish: "Eder is already a coach and is registered as Espanyol's coach. Tomorrow he is not going to sit and the first match he will sit on the bench in LaLiga will be in Bilbao."

He must serve a two-match suspension before that La Liga debut on the bench, with Sergio García set to lead the side against Villarreal first. So the reset has begun, but not in a clean or normal way.

Espanyol have chosen their coach for the next phase. The first task is much less glamorous: get out of 18th place, starting before Sarabia even reaches the dugout in Bilbao.

FAQ

Why did Espanyol sack Manolo González and appoint Eder Sarabia?

Espanyol made the change after a poor start left them 18th in La Liga with 8 points from 10 matches, plus a cup exit to Sestao River. Monchi said Sarabia was the coach who best matched what the club want the project to be, while also admitting the immediate job is to steady a team in trouble.

Can Eder Sarabia manage Espanyol from the bench straight away?

No. Sarabia is officially registered as Espanyol's coach and has signed until 30 June 2028, but he must serve a two-match suspension before taking his place on the La Liga touchline. Sergio García will handle the Villarreal game before Sarabia's first league match on the bench in Bilbao.

What did Monchi mean when he said Espanyol must put out a fire?

He was describing the gap between Espanyol's long-term plans and their immediate reality. Monchi said the club still have broader ambitions, but first must deal with the current crisis. With only 8 points from 10 matches and six defeats already, survival and stability come before any bigger project.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →