Eder Sarabia appointed Espanyol coach through 2028

RCD Espanyol

Espanyol already has a new coach, because Eder Sarabia takes over the Blanquiazul first team after the dismissal of Manolo González and signs a contract through June 30, 2028. The Catalan club is betting on the Basque coach to change the team’s sporting momentum and get it out of the relegation spots.

The Copa del Rey elimination against Sestao River, with a 4-3 defeat, led to Manolo González’s departure. The setback finished off a situation that was already being shaped by poor results in La Liga. The club wasted no time in making a move and has now brought in Sarabia to begin a new chapter on the bench.

Monchi backs Sarabia

The appointment of the coach reflects the need to find a manager with a clear playing idea and recent experience in Spanish football. Monchi, Espanyol’s sporting director, believes in Sarabia to put the brakes on a team that needs results immediately.

The Bilbao-born coach arrives after his spell at Elche, where he achieved promotion to La Liga and led the Illicitano side in their return to the top flight. His work has helped him make a name for himself in domestic football, and now he will get a new opportunity at a club under pressure to compete in La Liga.

A recognizable style to change the momentum

Sarabia advocates football built on possession, pressure and the intention to take the initiative. His proposal demands personality on the ball and coordination between the lines, something he will have to quickly instill in a squad that is going through a difficult moment.

Before starting his career as a first-team coach, he was part of Quique Setién’s coaching staff at Las Palmas, Betis and Barcelona. He later managed FC Andorra and made the jump to the top flight with Elche, where he consolidated his profile as a coach.

Now he must face one of the most demanding challenges of his career. Espanyol needs to regain confidence, reduce defensive errors and start picking up points to escape the bottom end of the table.

✍️ OFICIAL | Eder Sarabia, nou entrenador de l’#RCDE. Signa fins al 30 de juny del 2028. Benvingut, míster!

— RCD Espanyol de Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) October 28, 2026