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Pepe Mel

José Mel Pérez (born 28 February 1963), commonly known as Pepe Mel, is a former professional and manager who primarily played as a during his playing career and has managed several clubs in , England, and Greece. Born in Madrid, he spent the majority of his playing days with , appearing in 133 matches for the club and serving as their top scorer during the 1989–90 season when they secured promotion to . Mel retired as a player in 1998 after a stint with Balompié and transitioned immediately into coaching. Mel's managerial career began in 1999 with CD Coslada in Spain's lower divisions and has since encompassed 18 clubs across multiple countries, characterized by short tenures averaging about one year. His most notable achievements came with , where he first managed from 2010 to 2013, leading the team to the title in 2010–11 for promotion to and guiding them to a sixth-place finish in 2012–13, qualifying for the . He returned to Betis for a second spell from 2014 to 2016 but was sacked after a winless run. In 2014, Mel had a brief stint in as head coach of West Bromwich Albion in the , lasting four months and signing an 18-month contract before departing by mutual consent. Later roles included managing Deportivo La Coruña (2017), (2019–2022), (2022–2023), OFI Crete in (2023–2024), (2024), and (September to December 2024). Known for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and UEFA Pro Licence, Mel holds Spanish nationality and is represented by the Bahía Internacional. As of November 2025, he is without a club.

Early life

Childhood and family

José Mel Pérez, better known as Pepe Mel, was born on 28 February 1963 in , . Little is publicly documented about his family background or specific details of his parents and siblings. His upbringing occurred in the Spanish capital, where the vibrant culture of the city played a key role in shaping his early interests. Pepe Mel's passion for football emerged during his childhood, strongly influenced by the dominance and prestige of local clubs such as in 's sporting landscape. This early fascination led him to join 's at the age of 11 in 1974.

Youth career

José Mel Pérez, known as Pepe Mel, began his football journey by joining 's youth academy at the age of 11 in 1974. Developed as a within the club's renowned , Mel progressed through the lower ranks, featuring for Real Madrid's C and B teams during his formative years. In the early 1980s, he advanced to , the club's reserve side competing at a senior level, where he made his initial senior appearances before transitioning to fully professional clubs. Throughout his youth development, Mel trained and played alongside emerging talents like and Míchel, honing his skills in a competitive environment that emphasized technical proficiency and tactical awareness.

Playing career

Early professional career

Pepe Mel began his professional career with , the reserve team, making his debut in 1983. He played there from 1983 to 1987, including stints in and later , accumulating 72 league appearances and 15 goals in the second tier during 1984–87. After a brief spell with in late 1987 where he did not make an official debut, he signed with CD Castellón in the in December 1987, midway through the 1987–88 season. He made his debut for Castellón on December 13, 1987, in a 1–1 draw against . As a central forward known for his clinical finishing and goal-poaching instincts, Mel quickly adapted to the demands of second-tier in the Valencian club, which had been competing in for several consecutive years. In his debut season of 1987–88, Mel featured in 25 league matches for Castellón, scoring 6 goals despite the limited time to integrate into the squad. These contributions helped stabilize the team's attack amid a challenging , though they finished mid-table. His physical presence and ability to hold up play as a target man began to earn him recognition among supporters. The following 1988–89 season marked Mel's breakthrough, where he became a key figure in Castellón's title-winning campaign. Playing in 37 games, he netted 21 goals, including several penalties, to finish as one of the division's top scorers and drive the team's promotion to as champions. His prolific form, combining sharp movement off the ball with opportunistic strikes, was instrumental in elevating Castellón to the top flight for the first time in nearly a decade.

Real Betis

Pepe Mel transferred to from CD Castellón in the summer of 1989, marking the beginning of his most successful playing spell. In his debut season with Betis in the 1989–90 , Mel emerged as a prolific , scoring 22 league goals to win the as the competition's top scorer and helping the team secure promotion to . His goals accounted for more than half of Betis's total in the league that year, including crucial strikes in matches against teams like and Espanyol that propelled the club's return to the top flight. Following promotion, Mel made his La Liga debut in the 1990–91 season, where he netted 14 goals in 31 appearances despite Betis's eventual relegation. He remained with the club through the 1992–93 campaign, contributing to their efforts in the second tier before departing. Over his four years at from 1989 to 1993, Mel made 133 appearances and scored 59 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as one of the club's key forwards and ranking 12th on their all-time goalscorers list. His overall career in the spanned eight seasons with totals of 215 appearances and 78 goals, largely built on his standout performances at Betis and prior clubs like Castellón and Castilla.

Later clubs and retirement

After leaving Real Betis, Mel joined for two seasons in (1993–94 and 1994–95), scoring 20 goals in 34 appearances in the first. He then moved to for the 1995–96 season in Segunda B, before joining in Segunda B for the 1996–97 campaign. These moves reflected Mel's sustained presence in Spanish football's lower divisions during his later playing years. In the 1997–98 season, Mel had a brief stint with in from July to December 1997, before returning to to join Balompié for the latter part of the campaign, appearing in 10 matches and scoring 2 goals. He retired on July 1, 1998, at the age of 35. Over his 16-year professional tenure across eight clubs, Mel amassed 439 appearances and 192 goals in all competitions, with 215 matches and 78 goals specifically in the . Mel's retirement marked a seamless transition to coaching, as he began his managerial the following year, driven by his deep involvement in and desire to remain in the sport.

Coaching career

Early managerial roles

Pepe Mel began his managerial shortly after retiring as a player in 1998, taking charge of the amateur club CU Zona Norte in Madrid for the 1998–99 season. This initial role marked his entry into at the regional level, where he gained early experience in team management without notable competitive achievements documented. The following year, Mel moved to another amateur outfit, CD Coslada, managing the team during the 1999–2000 campaign in the leagues. His time there focused on developing foundational coaching skills in lower-tier football, though specific results from this period remain limited in public records. Transitioning to professional ranks, Mel joined in July 2000 as head coach in the , but his tenure lasted only until late September, ending amid the club's financial struggles and eventual dissolution. In September 2000, Mel was appointed manager of Real Murcia in the , where he led the team through the 2000–01 season, securing a mid-table finish of 11th place and ensuring stability in the second tier. This role represented his first sustained experience at the professional level, emphasizing defensive organization to avoid relegation threats. Mel's next position came in July 2001 with in , replacing who had departed for . Despite a contract renewal in November, he was dismissed on 18 February 2002 following a 2–1 defeat to that left rooted to the bottom of the table with just three wins from 24 matches. This early professional setback highlighted the challenges of managing in Spain's top flight during his formative years as a coach. After leaving , Mel took charge of in the on 21 January 2003, serving until the end of the 2002–03 season. In his 9 matches in charge, he achieved a points-per-match average of 1.11, helping to stabilize the team mid-table. Mel then joined in the on 1 July 2003, managing the club through the 2003–04 season until 30 June 2004. Under his leadership, Alavés finished 7th in the league and reached the promotion playoffs, though they were eliminated, with Mel overseeing 42 matches at a 1.69 points-per-match rate. In July 2004, Mel was appointed manager of in the , where he remained until 14 November 2005. During this stint, he managed 30 matches, achieving 1.20 points per match, and guided the team to a respectable mid-table position before departing amid a mid-season change.

Rayo Vallecano

Pepe Mel was appointed as manager of on 1 July 2006, taking over the team in the Spanish third tier () following his earlier roles in lower divisions. Under Mel's leadership, achieved promotion to the at the end of the 2007–08 season, finishing sixth in their group and advancing through the playoffs by defeating 3–1 on aggregate, with the second leg secured 2–0 away despite a first-leg home loss. The campaign featured 20 wins, 10 draws, and 8 losses in the regular season, highlighted by an "astonishing" run that returned the club to the second tier after years of stagnation. During his tenure from 2006 to 2010, Mel managed 125 matches across all competitions, accumulating a points-per-match of 1.69, which underscored his effective in building a competitive side. Mel emphasized tactical cohesion and unity, fostering a tight-knit group dynamic that transformed early-season struggles into playoff success through strong team bonding and leveraging the passionate support at Estadio de . This approach developed key players such as forward Sergio Pachón, who scored the decisive goal in the promotion playoff and finished as the team's top scorer with 16 goals that season, alongside left-back Charly Llorens, whose defensive contributions were vital to the campaign's turnaround. Other emerging talents like and Piti benefited from Mel's guidance, gaining prominence in the squad during this period of ascent.

Real Betis first stint

Pepe Mel was appointed as manager of on 12 July 2010, following his departure from earlier that year, with the club aiming to secure promotion back to after relegation the previous season. In his debut campaign, Mel guided the team to the title in 2010–11, achieving promotion to the top flight with a strong performance that included 25 wins in 42 matches. Upon returning to La Liga for the 2011–12 season, Betis under Mel established themselves comfortably in the division, finishing in 13th place and avoiding any immediate relegation concerns. The following year, 2012–13, marked the pinnacle of his tenure as the team exceeded expectations by securing seventh position, which qualified them for the for the first time since 2006. This achievement highlighted Mel's tactical acumen and ability to blend experienced players with emerging talents, contributing to a memorable European return. Over his 156 matches in charge from July 2010 to December 2013, Mel recorded a points per match average of 1.51, reflecting a period of overall stability and success for the club. However, the 2013–14 season began poorly, with Betis winless in eight domestic games and sitting at the bottom of after 15 matches, prompting his dismissal on 2 December 2013.

West Bromwich Albion

Pepe Mel was appointed of West Bromwich Albion on 9 January 2014, signing an 18-month contract after succeeding , who had been dismissed a month earlier amid the club's poor form. Having previously led to seventh place in and Europa League qualification the season before, Mel was selected for his reputation in implementing high-tempo, attacking football to steer West Brom away from relegation danger. Over his four-month tenure, Mel managed 17 matches, recording 3 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses, which equated to an average of 0.88 points per match. Despite a winless start in his first seven games that left the team just a point above the drop zone, West Brom ultimately finished 17th in the Premier League, securing survival by three points with a final-day victory. Mel encountered notable difficulties adapting to the Premier League's demands, later reflecting that its organizational superiority in training, player rest, and psychological preparation placed it "light years ahead" of La Liga. His time was further complicated by intense media scrutiny over off-field incidents, including the sacking of Nicolas Anelka following a controversial quenelle gesture and a reported altercation between Saido Berahino and James Morrison. On 12 May 2014, one day after the season-ending win that confirmed status, West Brom and Mel agreed to part company by mutual consent, with the club citing a combination of on-field results and off-pitch events as factors. Although the original deal was for 18 months, Mel had publicly stated his contract was intended to last only six months.

Real Betis second stint

Pepe Mel returned to as manager on 30 December 2014, replacing Gabriel Calderón who had been dismissed amid a poor start to the 2014–15 season. Under Mel's leadership, the team underwent significant squad rebuilding, with key signings including midfielders like and forwards such as Jorge Molina, aimed at bolstering the attack and defensive stability. Mel emphasized rebuilding trust with the fans through open communication and a high-pressing style of play that resonated with the club's passionate supporter base at the . In his tenure, Mel oversaw 46 matches across all competitions, achieving an average of 1.63 points per match in league play, which propelled Betis to the top of the table. The campaign culminated in Betis clinching the league title on 7 June 2015 with a 3–0 victory over , securing promotion back to after just one season in the second tier. However, in the subsequent 2015–16 season, Betis struggled with a winless run of eight games, leading to Mel's sacking on 11 January 2016 due to poor results and a breakdown in relationships with the board. This second stint highlighted Mel's ability to quickly revitalize a squad, drawing briefly on lessons from his challenging experience at West Bromwich Albion to adapt tactics suited to Spanish football's intensity.

Deportivo La Coruña

Pepe Mel was appointed as the manager of Deportivo La Coruña on 28 February 2017, replacing who had been dismissed after a poor run of results that left the club in the relegation zone. The 54-year-old, who had previously guided to promotion twice, was brought in on a contract until the end of the 2016–17 season with the explicit of stabilizing the team and ensuring survival in the top flight. His arrival injected fresh energy, drawing on his reputation for motivational leadership honed during successful campaigns at Betis. During his tenure, Mel oversaw 24 matches across the remainder of the 2016–17 season and the early part of 2017–18, recording 6 wins, 7 draws, and 11 losses for a points-per-match of 1.04. He implemented tactical adjustments tailored to the relegation battle, emphasizing emotional resilience to address a "scared" squad and fostering a sense of conviction and enjoyment in play. Key changes included selective pressing on opponents' backlines, such as targeting Barcelona's with midfielder , and exploiting set-piece opportunities—Deportivo scored from corners and free kicks more effectively under his guidance. These shifts yielded partial success in 2016–17, with an unbeaten run in the first four league games, including a 2–1 upset victory over on 12 March 2017 that propelled the team out of the bottom three. The club ultimately finished 16th, securing their status by a narrow margin. However, the momentum faltered in the 2017–18 season, where Deportivo managed only two wins from the opening nine fixtures, leaving them two points above the relegation zone after a 2–1 home defeat to on 23 October. Despite efforts to refine defensive organization and counter-attacking patterns, the team's inconsistency persisted, prompting Mel's dismissal on 24 October 2017. His exit marked the fifth managerial change under club Tino Fernández in less than two years, underscoring the intense pressure of the survival fight at Riazor.

UD Las Palmas

Pepe Mel was appointed as manager of on 4 March 2019, replacing Paco Herrera and signing a contract until the end of the season. His arrival stabilized the team during a challenging campaign in the , where they were struggling against relegation. Over the course of his tenure, Mel managed 128 matches, achieving an average of 1.35 points per match. A key aspect of Mel's approach at was the integration of youth players into the senior squad, fostering long-term development amid the club's ambitions for promotion. He notably promoted 16-year-old prospect (Pedro González López) to the first team in July 2019, recognizing his potential during preseason observations. quickly became a regular, making 36 appearances across all competitions in the 2019–20 season and scoring four goals, which highlighted Mel's success in nurturing talent before 's high-profile transfer to in January 2020 for €5 million. In the 2020–21 season, Mel led on a promotion push, with the team finishing ninth in the with 56 points from 42 matches, just outside the playoff positions. Despite a competitive campaign that saw them challenge for a top-six spot, key late-season defeats resulted in a playoff loss opportunity, as they ended one win short of qualification. Mel's departure came on 23 2022 amid inconsistent results in the 2021–22 season, following a 1–0 defeat to , with the club sitting three points from the playoffs at the time.

Málaga CF

On 21 September 2022, Pepe Mel was appointed as the of in the , replacing Guede amid the team's struggles early in the 2022–23 season. With extensive experience in Spanish football, including successful promotions with and , Mel was brought in to stabilize a side languishing near the relegation zone after a poor start that saw them win just once in their opening seven league matches. Mel's tenure emphasized defensive organization to address Málaga's vulnerabilities, often deploying a 4-4-2 formation that prioritized solidity at the back and quick transitions on the counter-attack. This approach aimed to halt the concession of goals from set pieces and open play, which had plagued the team prior to his arrival, while integrating youth players into the squad for long-term development. Despite these efforts, progress was limited, as the team continued to battle in the lower reaches of the table, managing only sporadic improvements in competitiveness. Over 20 matches in all competitions during his stint, Mel recorded 4 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses, with a points-per-match of 1.05 and a of 24–27. In league play specifically, after 18 fixtures, Málaga remained entrenched in the relegation zone, prompting a mutual decision to part ways on 25 2023. The club acknowledged Mel's professionalism and commitment but cited the need for a change to boost their standings.

OFI Crete

In December 2023, Pepe Mel was appointed of OFI Crete in the , signing a until the end of the 2023–24 season following the dismissal of previous manager . Mel's tenure focused on efforts to steer the club away from the relegation zone, with OFI positioned in the lower half of the table upon his arrival. Over 12 matches in charge, he recorded one win, three draws, and eight losses, yielding a points-per-match average of 0.50 and just six points total. The poor results led to his early departure on 12 February 2024 by mutual agreement, amid ongoing struggles to implement tactical changes in a new league environment. Despite the setback, OFI ultimately finished ninth in the league, securing survival under subsequent management.

UD Almería

On 13 March 2024, Pepe Mel was appointed as of , becoming the club's third manager of the season following the dismissal of . He took charge of a team rooted at the bottom of the table with no wins in their first 27 matches, aiming to salvage pride in the remaining 10 fixtures until the end of the campaign on 30 June 2024. During his tenure, Mel oversaw a late-season resurgence, achieving a points-per-match average of 1.10 across those 10 games, which included several key victories that injected momentum into the squad despite the earlier mathematical confirmation of relegation. Notable results highlighted this improvement, such as a 6–1 home win against on 26 May 2024, marking one of the team's most convincing performances of the season. However, ultimately finished last in , unable to alter their fate, though Mel's efforts ensured a more competitive finish to the year. Mel placed particular emphasis on motivating Almería's predominantly young squad, drawing on academy talents and integrating fresh faces like Bruno Langa and Marcos Peña into matchday selections to foster resilience and development amid the high-pressure survival bid. His approach focused on rebuilding team confidence, with post-match reflections underscoring the value of these emerging players in demonstrating the club's potential for top-tier competition despite the relegation. This stint followed a brief at OFI , where Mel had departed earlier in February 2024 due to inconsistent results.

CD Tenerife

More than two decades after his initial stint, Mel returned to on September 16, 2024, signing a contract until June 30, 2025, to replace Óscar Cano amid the team's irregular start to the 2024–25 season, where they had earned just one point from their first five matches. Taking over during a mid-season slump that had left the club near the relegation zone, Mel managed 16 official matches, recording 4 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, yielding a points per match of 1.00. His tenure emphasized defensive solidity and tactical discipline, but persistent inconsistencies resulted in his departure on December 23, 2024, after the club thanked him for his professionalism. Across both stints, Mel's presence at underscored his deep ties to the ' football scene, leveraging his prior experience to foster a resilient team identity aimed at long-term promotion aspirations. Although neither period achieved immediate success, his approaches contributed to a cultural shift toward greater fan engagement and strategic patience, aligning with the club's ambitions to return to despite ongoing challenges.

Personal life

Writing career

Following his retirement from professional football as a player in 1998, Pepe Mel balanced his ongoing coaching career with a parallel pursuit in literature, beginning with the publication of his debut novel El mentiroso (The Liar) in 2011. This thriller, styled after , revolves around hidden truths in the Dead Sea Scrolls manuscripts, blending mystery and historical intrigue. Mel has described the writing process as a way to relax and maintain positivity amid the demands of management, allowing him to clear his mind after matches. In 2013, Mel released his second novel, El camino al más allá (The Road to the ), an adventure story following archaeologist Verónica Lograft as she inherits a ancient manuscript revealing a subterranean world and a path to the . The narrative draws on themes of and the , reflecting Mel's interest in exploratory journeys, which he has likened to his own "" persona. This work continued his focus on suspenseful plots intertwined with personal reflections on life's mysteries. Mel's third novel, (The Test), published in 2016, marked a shift to a children's , offering an integral view of a child's formative experiences and personal growth. Aimed at young readers, it emphasizes and self-discovery, incorporating elements from Mel's own life observations to illustrate moral and developmental lessons. The book was presented in , where Mel discussed how writing for younger audiences allowed him to explore uplifting themes while sustaining his literary output alongside commitments. Reception for his works has been noted for their engaging narratives, with Mel expressing particular enjoyment in the preparatory phase that informs his stories. In 2018, Mel published La llave sefardí (The Sephardic Key), a historical addressing themes of and Jewish heritage in , using literary elements to provoke reflection on intolerance. His fifth novel, Los asesinatos de la xana (2020), is a set in , involving mysterious murders linked to local . Mel's most recent novel as of 2024, El despertar del diablo (The Awakening of the Devil), released in September 2024, is a story exploring moral dilemmas and personal traumas during the Spanish Second Republic, centered on a dismantling a criminal organization.

Other interests

Since his dismissal from on 23 December 2024, following a 1–0 home defeat to , Pepe Mel has been unemployed as a manager. He has since turned his attention to personal projects, including continuing his writing career. No public records indicate involvement in commentary, punditry, or philanthropic initiatives beyond his professional career.

Career statistics

Playing statistics

Pepe Mel's playing career as a forward featured consistent goal-scoring across Spain's professional leagues from 1982 to 1998. In league competitions, he recorded 439 appearances and 192 goals, demonstrating his effectiveness particularly in the lower divisions where he developed and peaked. A standout achievement was winning the for top scorer in the during the 1989–90 season, when he netted 22 goals to help secure promotion. The breakdown of his league statistics by club is as follows:
ClubPrimary Division(s)AppearancesGoals
, 12450
CD Castellón6227
Primera División, 11250
6331
Benidorm CD3115
3717
Écija Balompié102
Total439192

Managerial record

Pepe Mel has managed over 700 competitive matches throughout his coaching career spanning from 1998 to 2024, with an overall win percentage of 35% and a points per match (PPM) average of 1.35. His PPM varied significantly by club, reaching highs of 1.69 with and , while dipping to 0.50 during his brief tenure at OFI Crete. The following table summarizes his managerial stints at major clubs (figures include all competitive matches where available; early lower-division roles had limited records):
ClubFromToMatches (M)Wins (W)Draws (D)Losses (L)
CD Tenerife16 Sep 202423 Dec 202416358
UD Almería13 Mar 202430 Jun 202415438
OFI Crete14 Dec 202312 Feb 202412138
Málaga CF21 Sep 202225 Jan 2023203107
UD Las Palmas5 Mar 201923 Jan 2022148545143
Deportivo La Coruña28 Feb 201724 Oct 2017297814
Real Betis (second)23 Dec 201411 Jan 201646201115
West Bromwich Albion9 Jan 201412 May 201417368
Real Betis (first)12 Jul 20102 Dec 2013156562872
Rayo Vallecano1 Jul 200615 Feb 2010125382859
Polideportivo Ejido1 Jul 200414 Nov 200556151724
Deportivo Alavés1 Jul 200330 Jun 200450211712
Getafe CF21 Jan 200330 Jun 200322877
CD Tenerife (first)1 Jul 200118 Feb 2002276615
Real Murcia26 Sep 200030 Jun 200142121317
Note: Early stints with CU Zona Norte, CD Coslada, and (1998–2000) had limited or no recorded competitive matches. Pepe Mel has been without a club since the end of his second spell at in December 2024. Overall totals as of December 2024: approximately 710 matches, 248 wins, 213 draws, 249 losses.

Honours

As player

During his playing career, Pepe Mel contributed to CD Castellón's promotion to by winning the 1988–89 title. In the following season, after joining , Mel earned the as the Segunda División's top scorer with 22 goals, helping the club secure promotion to that year. No additional team awards were achieved with Betis during his tenure from to 1993.

As manager

Mel's managerial career is marked by three successful promotions across Spanish football divisions. His first notable achievement came with in the 2007–08 season, when he guided the team from to promotion to the via the , finishing first in Group 1 and defeating in the semifinals and in the final. Mel returned to Real Betis in July 2010 and led the club to the title in the 2010–11 season, securing automatic promotion to with 83 points and a four-point lead over runners-up . He replicated this success upon rejoining Betis in December 2014, clinching the championship in the 2014–15 campaign with 84 points, finishing two points ahead of second-placed and earning direct promotion to . These triumphs represent Mel's only league titles as a manager.

Individual

As a player, Pepe Mel earned recognition as a prolific goalscorer in Spain's lower divisions, winning the for the in the 1983–84 season with 30 goals for RSD Alcalá and again in the 1996–97 season with 17 goals for . He repeated his success at a higher level by claiming the for the in the 1989–90 campaign, where he netted 22 goals to lead to promotion. In his managerial career, Mel received the Best Manager of Andalusia award for the 2010–11 season, honoring his leadership in guiding Real Betis to the Segunda División title and promotion to La Liga. Additionally, he was named Liga Adelante Coach of the Month for April 2015 while managing Betis in the second tier, following a perfect record of three wins in three matches that month. No literary awards have been documented for Mel's published works, which include novels such as (1999) and La llave sefardí (2018).

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