Eder Sarabia Named Espanyol Coach on Contract Until 2028

Espanyol have officially confirmed Eder Sarabia as their new head coach, on a contract running until 30 June 2028. The club announced the appointment on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, one day after Manolo González was dismissed following a Copa del Rey defeat to fourth-tier Sestao River.

The club’s announcement described the contract simply, and it signals that Espanyol want stability in the dugout after a difficult start to the season. Sarabia’s arrival comes at a time when the club sits in the relegation zone, with the task of turning around its league form now his first priority.

Interim Period Before the Appointment

Before Sarabia’s arrival, Espanyol had a brief interim period under Sergio García. The club moved quickly to appoint a permanent successor, and the decision to sign Sarabia on a contract extending well beyond the current season reflects the board’s wish to avoid another short-term change.

Eder Sarabia, Espanyol's new head coach, pictured ahead of his appointment

Eder Sarabia at a Glance

Detail	Information
New head coach	Eder Sarabia
Born	Bilbao, 27 September 1980
Age	46
Contract expiry	30 June 2028
Announcement	Wednesday, 28 October 2026
Predecessor	Manolo González (dismissed)
Interim before appointment	Sergio García
Most recent club	Elche CF

A Career Built in Spain’s Second Tier and Above

Sarabia has built his coaching reputation step by step. He worked as an assistant to Quique Setién at Las Palmas, Real Betis and Barcelona before taking his first head coach role. He then managed FC Andorra in the Segunda División B, and later took charge of Elche in the second division.

At Elche, he guided the club to promotion to La Liga in 2024-25, and he renewed his deal to 2027 after the promotion. He resigned in May 2026 after the club avoided relegation. That record gives him experience of both promotion and survival battles at the top flight.

Club	Role	Notes
Las Palmas, Betis, Barcelona	Assistant to Quique Setién	Grounding in top-level coaching
FC Andorra	Head coach (from January 2021)	Segunda División B
Elche CF	Head coach (from June 2024)	Promoted to La Liga, later avoided relegation

Eder Sarabia appointed Espanyol head coach after coaching in Spain's second tier

Why the Appointment Makes Sense

Sarabia’s experience at Elche, where he managed both a promotion campaign and a survival fight in La Liga, is directly relevant to Espanyol’s current position.

Backroom Staff

Sarabia will be joined by members of his coaching team, including Jon López, Jon Moreno, Aitor Unzué and Álvaro González. Álvaro González, who previously played for the club and later played for teams including Villarreal and Marseille, is a notable addition to the staff.

Context: Espanyol’s Season So Far

Espanyol have had a difficult start to the 2026-27 season. The club sits 18th in La Liga, with eight points from 10 matches. A run of only one point from the last 15 available has left the team in the relegation zone.

The club was also knocked out of the Copa del Rey by fourth-tier Sestao River on 27 October, in a 4-3 defeat after extra time. That result led directly to the decision to dismiss González.

What Comes Next

Sarabia’s official presentation is expected to take place at the RCDE Stadium in the days after his appointment. His first league fixtures will be closely watched, as Espanyol look to move away from the relegation places.

Eder Sarabia pictured as he prepares to take charge of Espanyol

The contract running to June 2028 gives Sarabia time to build a squad and a playing style. The results over the coming weeks will show whether he can turn the club’s season around.