Former West Brom manager Pepe Mel in intensive care after stroke surgery at 63

Former West Bromwich Albion manager Pepe Mel is recovering in intensive care at Virgen del Rocio Hospital in Seville after suffering a stroke on Sunday and undergoing surgery.

Mel, 63, had the stroke on Sunday and was taken to hospital, where he underwent a successful operation. Real Betis, one of the clubs he managed twice during his career, announced the news at the request of his family.

“From Real Betis, we send all the support in the world to Pepe Mel, whom we wish a speedy recovery,” the La Liga club posted on X. “We’re with you, Pepe.”

Rayo Vallecano and La Liga itself also issued messages of support. “From Rayo Vallecano, we want to convey all our support and affection to Pepe Mel, after suffering a stroke for which he has had to undergo surgery. We wish him a swift and complete recovery,” the Madrid club posted. La Liga added: “From La Liga we send all our affection and a speedy recovery to Pepe Mel. We’re with you, Pepe.”

A product of Real Madrid’s academy, Mel spent the vast majority of his 27-year coaching career in Spain, managing 16 clubs in total since 1999. His sole foray into English football came in January 2014, when he was appointed West Brom manager following the sacking of Steve Clarke, with the Baggies sitting four points above the Premier League relegation zone amid reported unrest in the dressing room.

Mel guided West Brom to safety, though they finished just one place above the drop. He won only three of his 17 matches in charge, drawing six and losing eight. He was dismissed the day after the final game of the season, with the club’s sporting and technical director Richard Garlick citing reasons both on and off the field.

Mel’s most recent role was with Moroccan club IR Tangier, a post he left in March 2025 after just seven games in charge.