Decision made on Manolo González

former Espanyol manager Manolo González survives the immediate axe after Racing defeat but faces a crucial week with two matches to prove his worth.

Manolo González's position at RCD Espanyol has come under intense scrutiny following a disastrous run of form. The club has won just four times in 31 matches this year, with four defeats in the last five games leaving them in the relegation zone. After the 2-1 loss at Racing Santander on Sunday—where Espanyol conceded late again—speculation mounted that González would be sacked, with Julen Lopetegui's name circulating as a potential replacement.

However, González took training on Sunday morning and will remain in the dugout for Tuesday's Copa del Rey first-round tie against Sestao River at Las Llanas (19:00). A potential reprieve extends to Friday's La Cerámica clash with Villarreal, though the sense is that only a cup victory and avoiding defeat to Villarreal would secure his future.

At El Sardinero, González appeared visibly deflated, unable to explain why Espanyol keep conceding in the closing stages. "The feeling is that you make yourself small, I don't know why," he said. When asked about his job security, he deferred to the club's decision. Technical director Monchi is reportedly already planning for life without González, but with two matches imminent, the club is holding fire for now.