Former West Brom Manager Pepe Mel Recovering After Stroke and Surgery

Pepe Mel, the former manager of West Bromwich Albion, is recovering in intensive care after suffering a stroke in Seville, Spain. The 63-year-old coach had emergency surgery on Sunday, November 1, and is currently being treated at Hospital Virgen del Rocío.

Sources from Mel’s previous club, Real Betis, confirmed that the surgery was successful. However, he remains hospitalized and is awaiting further assessment of his condition.

Mel, who is currently without a club, last managed Ittihad Tanger in Morocco, a position he left in March 2026. Throughout his career, he has managed several teams, including Real Betis, Deportivo La Coruña, and Málaga.

Many clubs he has worked with have sent messages of support. Real Betis, where he had two successful terms as manager, has been actively sharing updates about his health at the request of his family. Other clubs, including UD Las Palmas and Rayo Vallecano, have also expressed their encouragement and wishes for his recovery.

During his coaching career, Mel notably helped Real Betis achieve promotion to Spain’s top league on two occasions. He also had a brief stint in the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion in 2014, where he recorded three wins in 17 matches.