Pol Lirola officially presented as a new player this Monday. Elche CF The right-back was on the bench in the game against Betis, but did not make his debut. The young footballer, who turned 25 last Saturday, faces a hopeful period at Elche club, and will have the opportunity to play for the first time after playing in the Spanish First League. Italian Calcium Series A inside Juventus, Fiorentina and Saussolo; And in French Ligue-1 inside Olympic Marseille.
How was your transfer to Elche?
There was a change of manager at Olympique de Marseille and I saw that it did not adapt until 2026, although it was renewed. What I want is to play and earn minutes. I really wanted to come to Spain. I’ve been playing in the First Division for seven years, but I’ve never played that in Spain. When the Elche option came up, I talked to my representative and I didn’t hesitate because I wanted to come.
What references do you have from the Elche club? Did you talk to anyone before you came?
Yes, talk to “Pipa” Benedetto, with whom I have a good relationship. He spoke very well about the club and the city. Then I also spoke with Christian (Bragarnik) and he gave me a good feeling. I think this is a great opportunity and there are excellent conditions to have a good season.
After serving in clubs such as Juventus, Fiorentina, Olympique de Marseille, he now joins a team whose goal is permanence…
The truth is, Elche was a team I didn’t really follow when the possibility arose. I don’t see this as a step back in my career. It requires a new challenge and a new football and I am very happy to be here.
It comes with optional credit. Is the purchase mandatory? What will implementing this option depend on?
This is just an option to buy. It will depend on the level you can give. I’m not thinking about long-term things right now because we have a very long season ahead of us.
He will play for the first time in Spain… Is he in trouble?
Yes it is. I grew up at the Espanyol youth academy and always dreamed of the Spanish First League. A different type of football from Italy’s Serie A or France’s Ligue-1. You have a lot of desire to play many games.
Francisco uses four defenders with two fullbacks and three central defenders with two lanes. Where are you most comfortable?
I’ve played full-back for most of my career, but lately I’ve been playing full-back and I’m comfortable on the free wing. It will depend on each game and what the coach wants.
How were your first days in the dressing room?
They welcomed me very well. I knew some colleagues like Edgar Badia and I am very close with Catalan players. There are experienced colleagues and younger ones. It’s a very nice group.
How is he physically? Did you expect to play against Betis?
Physically I feel very good. Even though I haven’t played many games, I had a very difficult pre-season with Marseille. Playing against Betis was a little rushed because I only had one practice and I need time to learn the concepts of the coach. Now I want to study well this week, which is long because we play on Monday; Know better what the coach wants and be prepared.
Was it a disappointment to start losing 3-0?
The season will be very long and very difficult. It’s not good to start like this, especially in an area like Benito Villamarín, where Betis hasn’t forgiven you for the mistakes we’ve made. This is just the beginning and we have the team to do it much better than we do.
His signing created great anticipation among the fans. Do you feel pressure or too much responsibility?
I come from a place (Marseille) where you have a lot of followers the moment you play a half bad game. Football is like that. I have the experience to hold up well to pressure and I want to start showing Elche fans that coming here is a success.
Pol Lirola officially presented as a new player this Monday. Elche CF The right-back was on the bench in the game against Betis, but did not make his debut. The young footballer, who turned 25 last Saturday, faces a hopeful period at Elche club, and will have the opportunity to play for the first time after playing in the Spanish First League. Italian Calcium Series A inside Juventus, Fiorentina and Saussolo; And in French Ligue-1 inside Olympic Marseille.
How was your transfer to Elche?
There was a change of manager at Olympique de Marseille and I saw that it did not adapt until 2026, although it was renewed. What I want is to play and earn minutes. I really wanted to come to Spain. I’ve been playing in the First Division for seven years, but I’ve never played that in Spain. When the Elche option came up, I talked to my representative and I didn’t hesitate because I wanted to come.
What references do you have from the Elche club? Did you talk to anyone before you came?
Yes, talk to “Pipa” Benedetto, with whom I have a good relationship. He spoke very well about the club and the city. Then I also spoke with Christian (Bragarnik) and he gave me a good feeling. I think this is a great opportunity and there are excellent conditions to have a good season.
After serving in clubs such as Juventus, Fiorentina, Olympique de Marseille, he now joins a team whose goal is permanence…
The truth is, Elche was a team I didn’t really follow when the possibility arose. I don’t see this as a step back in my career. It requires a new challenge and a new football and I am very happy to be here.
It comes with optional credit. Is the purchase mandatory? What will implementing this option depend on?
This is just an option to buy. It will depend on the level you can give. I’m not thinking about long-term things right now because we have a very long season ahead of us.
He will play for the first time in Spain… Is he in trouble?
Yes it is. I grew up at the Espanyol youth academy and always dreamed of the Spanish First League. A different type of football from Italy’s Serie A or France’s Ligue-1. You have a lot of desire to play many games.
Francisco uses four defenders with two fullbacks and three central defenders with two lanes. Where are you most comfortable?
I’ve played full-back for most of my career, but lately I’ve been playing full-back and I’m comfortable on the free wing. It will depend on each game and what the coach wants.
How were your first days in the dressing room?
They welcomed me very well. I knew some colleagues like Edgar Badia and I am very close to Catalan players. There are experienced colleagues and younger ones. It’s a very nice group.
How is he physically? Did you expect to play against Betis?
Physically I feel very good. Even though I haven’t played many games, I had a very difficult pre-season with Marseille. Playing against Betis was a little rushed because I only had one practice and I need time to learn the concepts of the coach. Now I want to study well this week, which is long, because we play on Monday; Know better what the coach wants and be prepared.
Was it a disappointment to start losing 3-0?
The season will be very long and very difficult. It’s not good to start like this, especially in an area like Benito Villamarín, where Betis hasn’t forgiven you for the mistakes we’ve made. This is just the beginning and we have the team to do it much better than we do.
His signing created great anticipation among the fans. Do you feel pressure or too much responsibility?
I come from a place (Marseille) where you have a lot of followers the moment you play a half bad game. Football is like that. I have the experience to hold up well to pressure and I want to start showing Elche fans that coming here is a success.