28.05.2026 18:30
Manolo Gonzalez, who worked as a municipal bus driver in Barcelona while coaching in amateur leagues, became the head coach of Espanyol through an incredible rise. The young coach achieved great success by keeping Espanyol, which football authorities saw as a relegation candidate, in the top division.
While serving as a municipal bus captain on the streets of Barcelona, Manolo Gonzalez, who took charge of the tactical board in amateur leagues in the evenings, has written one of the most epic success stories in football history.
FROM THE BUS STEERING WHEEL TO THE GREEN PITCHES
Having driven the streets of Barcelona for years, Gonzalez did not neglect to pursue his own dreams. His successes on the muddy fields of amateur leagues with limited resources gradually brought him onto Espanyol's radar. When the Catalan team asked him to take the helm in 2024, the football world viewed this decision with skepticism. However, Gonzalez proved to everyone just how strong his control is not only on buses but also on the green pitches.
FINISHED 11TH WITH A TEAM PREDICTED TO BE RELEGATED
At the start of the season, sports commentators and football authorities were certain that Espanyol would be relegated due to their squad structure and fixture. The young manager, ignoring the immense pressure, drew worldwide attention with his success during the season. Spending most of the league in the top 10, Espanyol experienced a slight decline but secured their desired position with critical points in the final weeks. Gonzalez played a major role in keeping Espanyol in the safe zone and finishing 11th. Espanyol also missed the chance to qualify for European cups by just 5 points.