IRT Introduces Its New Coach, Pepe Mel

Ittihad Riadi de Tanger Introduces New Head Coach Pepe Mel Amid Restructuring Efforts

On Thursday evening, Ittihad Riadi de Tanger (IRT) unveiled its new first-team head coach, Spanish national Pepe Mel, during a press conference that also highlighted the progress of the club’s sports and organizational restructuring project.

A Coach with International Experience

With over 600 matches managed at the highest level, Pepe Mel has proven himself in prestigious clubs such as Real Betis, Deportivo La Corogne, Las Palmas, Rayo Vallecano, and West Bromwich Albion. The Spanish coach expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of Moroccan football and the presence of an ambitious generation of young players.

Building a Competitive and Future-Focused Team

Pepe Mel believes that IRT possesses “the necessary will to progress and secure its place” on the national stage. He aims to create a competitive team that combines the experience of senior players with the energy of young talent. Known for having developed players like Pedri and Fabián Ruiz, he is optimistic about the opportunities presented by his two-and-a-half-year contract, which will facilitate talent discovery and the establishment of a playing style appreciated by fans.

Enhanced Sports Project During the Break

The new coach noted that his initial days in Tangier, filled with training sessions and interactions with the team, revealed “a genuine desire to improve.” He sees the one-and-a-half-month break as an ideal opportunity to work in-depth before the resumption of the league.

Comprehensive Club Restructuring

Meanwhile, President Nasrallah El Guartit presented the current progress of the extensive modernization project for IRT, asserting that short- and medium-term commitments have been fully realized due to the synergy of efforts and effective management.

These commitments include:

• Organizational Governance: Restructuring and modernizing management, enhancing administrative stability.
• Financial Vision: Settling nearly 90% of debts and restoring financial balance.
• Sports Project: Strengthening the technical staff and enhancing collaboration between experienced seniors and young talents.
• Marketing and Communication: Launching a modern strategy that has boosted the club’s visibility both nationally and internationally.

Towards a Modern and Fully Professional Club

According to the president, long-term commitments are progressing “at an excellent pace,” particularly those related to the academy, full professionalization of the club, infrastructure, and international partnerships. He believes that what has been achieved thus far represents “the beginning of a deeper process” aimed at establishing IRT’s place among the elite and building a modern, competitive club.