Espanyol lost 2-1 away to Racing Santander on Saturday, extending a difficult run that has raised questions over the coach’s future.
Mundo Deportivo reported that the club did not want to rush into a decision, but that the upcoming cup match and Friday’s LaLiga trip to Villarreal could prove decisive.
González is aware that his job is at risk. Speaking before the Sestao fixture, he said: “I know my job is at risk. I can’t ignore reality. I can’t predict the future, and I don’t know what will happen between now and Friday. For as long as I’m here, I’ll keep working, though I’m well aware that my standing has taken a significant hit.”
The Copa del Rey tie gives Espanyol an immediate opportunity to stop the slide, although Sestao River will be keen to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding their opponents. The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Las Llanas, before Espanyol return to league action against Villarreal on Friday.
The club’s recent form has made the next few days important. The defeat in Santander was their fourth loss in five league matches, and the team has struggled to collect points consistently after a more encouraging period earlier in the season.
The pressure has also prompted speculation about possible replacements. Fichajes has linked former Spain coach Julen Lopetegui with the Espanyol job, although that report should be treated as speculation rather than evidence that negotiations are under way.
González has been in charge through a difficult stretch and has publicly insisted he will continue to give everything to the club while he remains in post. His immediate task is to prepare a side capable of responding on the pitch rather than allowing the uncertainty over his future to dominate the week.
The cup fixture could offer a route to a more positive result, but the league match at Villarreal follows quickly and will provide another test. With two games in five days, Espanyol’s results may shape the club’s decision on whether to continue with González or make a change.