Former Royals manager Ruben Selles, who oversaw Reading FC during a challenging spell under the ownership of Dai Yongge, is facing mounting pressure after a difficult start to life as manager of Spanish side Real Zaragoza.
Selles, 42, was appointed head coach of Real Zaragoza in October 2025 following a disastrous stint at Championship side Sheffield United where he lasted just five league matches before being sacked.
He had also briefly managed Hull City, who he joined midway through the 2024/25 season after deciding to leave Reading. Despite saving Hull from relegation he was sacked and subsequently joined the Blades in the summer of 2025 having impressed their board during his time with the Royals where he moulded a young squad into play-off contenders despite continuous turmoil behind the scenes.
However, his coaching career has not all gone to plan since departing the Royals and he has struggled since taking the challenge of trying to keep sleeping giants Real Zaragoza in La Liga 2.
Zaragoza have recorded only a handful of victories so far this season, picking up 24 points from 27 matches and failing to climb out of the relegation zone. Their recent form includes a 2–1 defeat to FC Andorra, which added to concerns over the club’s prospects of avoiding a drop to the third tier.
Fans and local media in Zaragoza have grown increasingly restless as results fail to come, with calls for a managerial change growing louder. While the club’s board has not yet publicly discussed any potential sacking, sources close to the club have suggested that Selles’ position could be under review if performances do not improve.
The weeks ahead will be crucial for Sellés as Zaragoza battle to climb out of the relegation mire.
Meanwhile, the former Royals boss has already faced plenty of tough challenges both on and off the pitch during his relatively short managerial career.
Rock bottom Zaragoza will host 9th placed Burgos on Saturday in a game which prove pivotal for Selles’ future at the club.
