Marcelo Bielsa has been touted as Espanyol’s preferred option to be Coach next season, ahead of Philippe Montanier, Paco Jemez and Jorge Sampaoli.
Constantin Galca is the current occupant of the bench at Cornella-El Prat but AS cites reports from Tiempo de Espanyol that say former Athletic Bilbao and Chile trainer Bielsa has already been in talks with the club.
Bielsa was reportedly spoken with as far back as January but didn’t want to commit to anything until Los Periquitos were safe from relegation, which they now are despite losing 5-0 at Barcelona on Sunday.
Bielsa coached Espanyol in 1998 but left to take over as Argentina boss and if he returns, Angel Gomez will remain as technical secretary rather than take the sporting director’s position.
Ex-Real Sociedad Coach Montanier was said to have been contacted in December when Sergio Gonzalez left the role and could be a contender again, while Jemez has question marks and nothing there could be done until Rayo Vallecano’s future is determined.
Sampaoli’s biggest stumbling block is said to be financial as he has an offer from Qatar that would pay €12m, even though he would like to work in La Liga.
