RCD Espanyol sporting director Ramón Rodríguez 'Monchi' has apologised to the club's supporters for his controversial Ballon d'Or vote for Barcelona's Lamine Yamal. The executive acknowledged that his decision, revealed during a radio appearance, caused upset among the white-and-blue faithful.
Speaking on El Larguero, Monchi explained the context of his choice. "They gave me the option between Mbappé, who is French, Harry Kane, English, or Lamine Yamal, Spanish, and I went for the Spanish side," he said. Yet he showed understanding for the backlash, admitting that "as an Espanyol fan, I should have said anyone else." The director stressed that his support for Yamal was done "wearing the Spanish flag," distinguishing between his national identity and his loyalty to Espanyol.
Derby context and current situation
The sporting director emphasised he fully understands the importance of the rivalry with FC Barcelona to Espanyol's identity, a club that has grown up in the shadow of its neighbour. His words come at a delicate time for the team, who sit 15th in La Liga with seven points from a possible twenty-one. Their current run features two consecutive defeats, including a 1-3 loss to Elche last time out, and their form over the last five matches reads one win, one draw and three losses.
Monchi praised the high expectations of the fanbase, which he said have positively surprised him, and linked that demand to the goal of achieving stability this season. The executive confirmed he works hand in hand with head coach Manolo González on squad planning, a process where, in his words, the technical staff and sporting direction decide player names together.
The Bryan Zaragoza operation
Among the transfer operations, Monchi highlighted the signing of Bryan Zaragoza. He admitted the deal was complicated from a bureaucratic standpoint, but it was easy to convince the player due to his desire to return to Spanish football. The winger arrived with a physical deficit after an irregular pre-season, but the club confirms his fitness is improving week by week. Monchi reiterated that coaches should define the profiles of players they need, not specific names, a philosophy guiding the work of the sporting department.
With the team in this run of form, focus now turns to the next fixture on matchday nine, a trip to La Rosaleda to face bottom side Malaga. This season's top scorer, Roberto Fernández with six goals in seven appearances, will be a key figure in trying to end the poor run away from home.
The original report is at La Vanguardia Deportes
