Spanish football manager Pepe Mel has been rushed into emergency surgery after suffering a stroke, according to reports from OneFootball on Monday. The 61-year-old, who most recently managed UD Ibiza in Spain's third division, was hospitalized following the medical emergency.
Mel, a former striker who played for clubs including Real Madrid Castilla, Sporting Gijón, and Rayo Vallecano, transitioned to management in 2000. He achieved promotion to La Liga with both Rayo Vallecano and Real Betis, leading the latter to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification in the 2012-13 season. His managerial career also included spells at Almería, Getafe, Deportivo La Coruña, West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League, and OFI Crete in Greece.
No further details on his current condition have been released. The football community across Spain and England has expressed concern and support for the veteran coach.
