Espanyol announced the appointment on their official website on Monday, with chairman Alan Pace welcoming the return of one of Spanish football's most respected football executives. Born in San Fernando, Cádiz in 1968, Monchi spent 17 years across two spells at Sevilla building a scouting methodology that produced six Europa League victories and transformed the club into a continental powerhouse.
In a letter published on social media, Monchi acknowledged the weight of the decision and the urgency of his arrival.
"The future that begins today will demand a great effort from me. I have incorporated as quickly as possible because I believe any small push will be good for the club."
He spoke in his first press conference at the RCDE Stadium about why he joined mid-season rather than waiting until the summer.
"I am here because from the very first moment I felt a lot of affection and respect in the conversations with Alan Pace. I have come to try to add value in the future and also in the present."
On Espanyol's precarious league position — 14th in La Liga, two points above the relegation zone with three matches remaining — Monchi struck a notably optimistic tone.
"It is complicated. But I believe Espanyol will stay up because they have the sporting arguments to do so. They have shown it this season. The technical staff and players have football and the ability to get the necessary points. The only thing missing is confidence and belief."
He appealed directly to supporters who have lost faith.
"I understand that there are people who have lost hope and who are sceptical. But this is not the moment. You have to trust. If it goes well, we will all be happy. We need to leave the doubts aside and create an atmosphere that pushes the team."
Monchi had been linked with a return to Sevilla as a central figure in the Ramos takeover bid. That path closed when the terms on offer — and the nature of the role — did not align with what either party wanted. His appointment at Espanyol the same day as the Ramos-Sevilla meeting underlined how separate the two situations had become.
His role will be confirmed beyond this season if Espanyol preserve their top-flight status.