Manolo Villanova
Manolo Villanova
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Manolo Villanova

Manuel José "Manolo" Villanova Rebollar (27 August 1942 – 6 December 2025) was a Spanish football manager and player who played as a goalkeeper.

Born in Zaragoza, Aragon, Villanova's first professional club was Segunda División's RCD Mallorca, whom he joined in 1966. After a full season at the club, he moved to La Liga with Real Betis, suffering relegation during his first campaign.

Villanova continued to appear with the Andalusians in the following years, all in the second level. In 1972, he returned to the top tier, after agreeing to a deal with Real Zaragoza.

A backup to Manolo Nieves, Villanova appeared sparingly for his hometown club, and retired in 1975 at the age of 32.

Immediately after retiring Villanova took up coaching, being appointed at Zaragoza's reserve team, Deportivo Aragón. In May 1979, he was appointed at the helm of the main squad, replacing Vujadin Boškov.

Villanova was sacked in March 1981, after winning only one match out of ten. In June he was named UD Salamanca manager, and took the club back to the top level at first attempt.

Villanova was in charge of the Charros until 1984, and left the club after suffering relegation as dead last. In 1984, he was appointed manager of RCD Mallorca in the second division, finishing the campaign in the seventh position.

In October 1985, Villanova returned to the main category, being appointed Hércules CF manager and replacing sacked Antoni Torres. He was unable to prevent relegation nonetheless, and subsequently left the club.

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