Ramon Rodríguez Verdejo, widely known as Monchi, has been appointed as the new General Director of Sport at Espanyol de Barcelona, the club announced on May 11, 2026. The move brings Monchi back to La Liga following a two-year spell at Aston Villa, where he worked under manager Unai Emery from 2023 to 2025.
Monchi is highly regarded within European football for his successful tenure at Sevilla FC, transforming the club into a consistent contender in the Europa League. During his time in Andalusia, Sevilla lifted the Europa League trophy in 2006, 2007, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020, and 2023 – a record of success that has cemented his reputation as a leading sporting director. His arrival at Espanyol is seen as a significant coup for the Barcelona-based club.
However, Monchi inherits a team in a difficult situation. Espanyol are currently experiencing a severe downturn in form, having gone eighteen consecutive La Liga matches without a victory. This represents a stark contrast to the beginning of the season, where they secured wins in ten of their first nineteen league games. Addressing this slump is Monchi’s immediate priority, as he stated upon his appointment, focusing on restoring confidence and support to the squad to recapture their earlier season form.
According to reports, Espanyol are also hoping to persuade former player Jesús Navas to come out of retirement to join the project. The appointment of Monchi signals a clear intent from Espanyol’s ownership to stabilize the club and rebuild a competitive team. His experience in identifying and developing talent, coupled with his proven track record in European competition, will be crucial as Espanyol look to climb out of their current predicament and establish themselves as a force in La Liga once more.
