It has been nothing short of a disastrous season for Catalonia’s second-biggest football club. RCD Espanyol have sunk to relegation after a season of turmoil on and off the football pitch. Espanyol will return to the Segunda División for the first time in 26 years.
Big money spent, several changes in the dugout and a lack of fight have culminated into a season of misery. Espanyol are relegated with three rounds of matches to play. To top off their miserable campaign, it was bitter rivals Barcelona who put the final nail in the coffin.
RCD Espanyol: A Fall From Grace
Big Money Spent
It’s amazing what a year in football looks like. This time last year, Espanyol were gearing up for an exciting campaign after securing Europa League football. The Espanyol owners have splashed the cash in the last two transfer windows.
Matias Vargas and Fernando Calero arrived in the summer for a combined £16 million. Both have disappointed this campaign. January saw Espanyol really splash the money – £36 million was spent in a bid to get out of trouble. Raul De Tomas, Adrian Embarba, Leandro Cabrera and Oier Olazabal all arrived in January and they failed to ignite their season.
De Tomas has managed just four goals in twelve league games since his arrival from Benfica. Embarba has shown glimpses of his quality but ultimately it hasn’t been enough. The big gamble to spend in January has backfired on the Catalonian side.
A summer overhaul is likely following their relegation. Recouping the money they spent will be extremely difficult. A total of £52 million wasted on players who struggled to adapt and ultimately cost Espanyol their place in La Liga.
Four Managers in One Season Spells Trouble
Replacing Rubi has proved an elusive task for Espanyol. Rubi departed for Real Betis last summer and four managers have had a crack at igniting Espanyol.
David Gallego was first to try having stepped up as a caretaker manager in the past. He lasted just nine league games in charge before being sacked. He collected just five points. Pablo Machin was next to step in. The former Girona and Sevilla manager was tasked with igniting their league season. While he saw plenty of progression in the Europa League, their domestic form failed to improve.
Machin took charge of just eleven league games and won once. Overall, Machin collected just five points from his two-month spell.
Abelardo Fernandez was next to take on the poisoned chalice. The former Sporting Gijon and Alaves manager arrived at the start of the year. His arrival brought the new signings and some optimism.
He started brightly, collecting eight points from his first five matches in charge. However, results majorly dipped after that. The final nail in his coffin was a defeat to Real Betis.
Francisco Rufete is their fourth and current boss of this season. He has lost all four of his matches in charge.
Relegation was inevitable with the lack of consistency in the dugout. Constant changes and a lack of stability have cost Espanyol. 24 points amassed from their 35 games simply isn’t good enough. Whoever takes charge next season needs time to get their ideas across and build a promotion-winning team.
Europa League Football Took Its Toll on Espanyol
This season brought optimism and a chance to pit their wits against some of Europe’s best clubs. They had impressed in the Europa League this season but their league form took a battering as a result.
The constant three-game weeks and travelling hit the Catalonian club hard. Since the start of the 2019/20 season, Espanyol have played ten matches in the Europa League. They collected just one league win after a Europa League match. While they had been impressing, their league form severely suffered.
The tolls of the Europa League hit Espanyol hard. Not all European adventures end happily and Espanyol have suffered for it. They struggled to adapt and have paid the price. There is even course to suggest they have a hangover from the Europa League having crashed out despite winning the second leg against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Players Failing to Step up When Needed
It is possible to blame the constant changes and the tolls of the Europa League for Espanyol’s demise but the players must take some responsibility. Their performances have disappointed fans and cost them points this season.
There is plenty of experience in a talented squad which has not delivered. The likes of Diego Lopez, David Lopez, Sergi Darder, Javi Lopez and Victor Sanchez have failed to stand up and be counted. The youngsters incorporated into the side have taken heavy criticism for Espanyol’s situation.
But experienced figures in that team have failed to step up and help Espanyol get out of trouble. It is unknown how many of those experienced figures will be there next season.
There will be a big overhaul of players in the summer with many expected to depart. Espanyol will lose of their prized youngsters like Marc Roca who has several European admirers. Oscar Melendo and Victor Perea have also caught the eye this season.
The players will take some heavy criticism for Espanyol’s demise and drastic changes are needed on the pitch.
Clear Direction Is Needed
Promotion will be the aim next season. An instant return to La Liga will be the primary objective for whoever takes over next season. Francisco Rufete’s audition is not going well so far. A new manager is likely to be appointed once this season reaches its conclusion.
It’s going to be a huge summer for Espanyol. Plenty of changes are needed on and off the pitch. Expect a completely different playing squad, coaching staff and a look towards their academy products.
What is clear after this disastrous campaign, stability and direction is required at one of Spain’s most decorated football clubs. There is real concern and uncertainty surrounding Espanyol. Whatever happens, nothing can wash away this disastrous campaign and it’s been a real fall from grace.
Main Photo
