Botola: IRT appoints Spanish coach Pepe Mel until 2028

Wednesday 03 December 2025 - 10:00

By: Sahili Aya

Botola: IRT appoints Spanish coach Pepe Mel until 2028

Ittihad Riadhi de Tanger (IRT) has officially announced the appointment of Spanish coach Pepe Mel as head of its first team, signing a contract until 2028. The agreement covers two and a half seasons and marks a key step in the club’s long-term sporting strategy.

According to the club, Mel will be supported by a full coaching staff, including an assistant responsible for performance and strategy, as well as a fitness coach, aligning with IRT’s ambitions to enhance competitiveness and foster young talent.

Pepe Mel is recognized as one of Spain’s most experienced coaches, having managed over 600 top-level matches in his career. He has led several prominent European clubs, including Real Betis—where he achieved promotion to La Liga, secured stability in Spain’s top flight, and qualified for European competitions—as well as Deportivo La Coruña, Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano, and English side West Bromwich Albion.

The club highlighted Mel’s coaching philosophy, which emphasizes tactical discipline, teamwork, and the development of young players. This approach complements IRT’s strategic vision, which focuses on blending experienced players with emerging talents to build a sustainable and competitive squad.

The agreement reflects a shared commitment to modern football management, long-term planning, continuous improvement, and fostering a culture of responsibility, discipline, and collective performance. IRT sees Mel’s arrival as a cornerstone in its ongoing restructuring efforts, aimed at consolidating the club’s identity, stabilizing its position in the first division, and representing Tangier with a competitive team.