The upheaval at Espanyol continued after José María Durán was dismissed as club general manager, extending into the leadership surrounding the sports field. Mao Ye, the new CEO of the company, had already signaled that decisions would be made on Monday, and once the plan was finalized, changes accelerated. Vicente Moreno and sporting director Rufete are no longer with the club, as announced on a notably busy day in blue and white offices. Fans were left with the two top figures they had wanted removed.
Espanyol’s promotion season to the First Division concluded with the departure of the coach who had guided the team before, as Vicente Moreno ended his tenure after steering the club through the Second Division and confirming its status this week. Yet for many supporters, the journey had grown frustrating, evident in the discontent voiced at Cornellà as the season reached its final stretch.
OFFICIAL NOTICE | Restructuring of the Sports Field.
— RCD Espanyol from Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) May 13, 2022
The Valencia coach departed with a reflection on the RCDE Stadium. He acknowledged the club’s challenging situation, noting that the three-year project had yielded memorable moments and goals achieved. He also emphasized the value of the experience and the opportunity to contribute to a club that had been impressive in many respects.
“Best Decision”
In the first year, promotion was secured; in the second, solvency and permanence were established. The message was delivered with clarity, suggesting that the perceived value of the work could be debated, yet the plan remained straightforward: a third year offered potential for further quality gains, and there was genuine excitement about it, though transparency mattered more than any facade. The atmosphere, once thick with tension, had grown thin, and the statement underscored that every venture has a start and an end, a reality that must be accepted.
Thank you, Vincent! pic.twitter.com/Be14045ARP
— RCD Espanyol from Barcelona (@RCDEspanyol) May 13, 2022
This Saturday, during the final home match against Valencia, a protest was being organized to push for decisive action. Chen Yansheng did not hesitate to respond, and this restructuring represented a clear intent to reconnect with the supporters on the field of play.
The Valencia coach, under contract for another year, faced a clause permitting an easier exit with reduced compensation if dismissed before season’s end, which led to his departure before the final game. Rufete, by contrast, was set to end his association in June.
Rare Environment
With a possible 15-point finish and a recent run of poor results, the owner of the Rastar Group grew increasingly agitated, and the mood around the club did not help. The timing of the coach’s departure was surprising given the late-stage results, but the move appeared to reflect ongoing organizational shifts.
“We have a third year left where we think we can make a leap in quality, but we don’t need to wear masks either. The atmosphere was poor, and that’s the best decision. Everything has a beginning and an end. We have to accept it.”
Vicente Moreno – Former Espanyol coach
The final two league fixtures saw Luis Blanco take charge of Espanyol B after being unable to train with the first team in recent weeks due to a leg condition that required crutches. The 43-year-old Colombian coach oversaw the team’s session that Friday, ready to lead in the forthcoming matches.
From Quique to Vicente
The sequence marks the eighth coach to hold the reins since Chen Yansheng became president in January 2016. Each season brought new leadership—from Quique Sánchez Flores to David Gallego, Rubi, Machín, Abelardo, Rufete, Vicente Moreno, and now Luis Blanco. Over six years, four sports directors have stepped in: Ángel Gómez, Lardín, Perarnau, and Rufete.
Decisions came from Chen Yansheng, who has steered the club through a period of rapid change. Moreno’s tenure came to an end two years later as pressure from the stands mounted and a broader shift in management took shape, culminating in Rufete’s departure after questions about the club’s trajectory.
Diego Martínez, Cannavaro, Luis García…
The new head of the sports department will be the current technical secretary, Domingo Catoira, with Rufete’s hand guiding the transition as a foundation for a broader rebuilding. Contracts run their course for a number of players, and moves across the squad are anticipated. A notable potential sale of Raúl de Tomás or Pedrosa has been floated as possible options for a refreshed lineup.
Emerging Signings
Alavés forward Joselu and Mallorca left-back Brian Oliván have emerged as early candidates for a restructuring project led by a new manager in reserve. Cannavaro has already been mentioned as a potential successor, whether taking over after Diego Martínez’ period with the team or stepping into the Damm academy role if needed. The club is planning a wide-ranging refresh aimed at restoring competitiveness and stability on the field.
The overhaul underscores Espanyol’s commitment to rebuilding a competitive squad while reasserting its connection with the fan base. It spells a new era for a club with a storied past, focused on accountability, performance, and a clear, manageable path forward. The road ahead will require unity from players, staff, and supporters alike, as the club seeks to translate organizational reforms into on-field success.
Source notes: Club announcements and public statements from RCDEspanyol, coverage of leadership changes and strategic direction at Espanyol, and contemporary reporting on the club’s restructuring efforts.