FORMER WEST BROM MANAGER PEPE MEL IN INTENSIVE CARE AFTER EMERGENCY STROKE SURGERY

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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim

Former West Bromwich Albion manager, Pepe Mel, has undergone emergency surgery after suffering a stroke in Seville, Spain.

The 63-year-old Spanish coach is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospital Virgen del Rocío following the incident on Sunday, November 1.

Sources at his former club, Real Betis, confirmed that the surgery was successful. However, Mel remains hospitalised and is awaiting further medical assessment.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, sources at the La Liga club disclosed the development on Monday.

Mel, who is currently without a managerial position, last coached Moroccan side Ittihad Tanger before leaving the club in March 2026.

Several clubs he managed during his career have expressed concern over his condition and wished him a speedy recovery.

Real Betis, where he had two spells as manager, was among the clubs that sent messages of support. The Spanish club also helped communicate updates on his health at the request of his family.

Former club UD Las Palmas said, “From UD Las Palmas, we want to send all our encouragement and affection to Pepe Mel, following the stroke he suffered, for which he underwent surgery.”

Rayo Vallecano also expressed its support, saying, “We want to convey all our support and affection to Pepe Mel, following the stroke he suffered, for which he had to undergo surgery. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.”

Throughout his coaching career, Mel managed several clubs, including Real Betis, West Bromwich Albion, Deportivo La Coruña, UD Las Palmas, Málaga, Almería and Tenerife.

His two spells at Real Betis were particularly notable, as he guided the club to promotion to Spain’s top division on two occasions.

He also managed West Bromwich Albion in the English Premier League in 2014, recording three wins in 17 matches during his four-month spell.