Julen Lopetegui Emerges as Top Candidate to Replace Manolo Gonzalez at Espanyol

Basque coach Julen Lopetegui, who remains under contract with Qatar until February 2027 following the Middle Eastern nation's World Cup campaign and ahead of the Asian Cup, has reportedly emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Espanyol. According to journalist Jose Agustin Gomez, Lopetegui is the top choice to succeed under-fire manager Manolo Gonzalez, aided by his strong working relationship with sporting director Monchi from their time together at Sevilla.

With Espanyol struggling in the relegation zone, Gonzalez's future hangs in the balance, though he is set to remain in charge for the upcoming Copa del Rey fixture. Should a managerial change occur, the club has also compiled a shortlist featuring Chacho Coudet, Toto Berizzo, and Jose Luis Mendilibar as alternative options.