Alberto Gallego Lancuentra emerges as a leading candidate to coach next season
Alberto Gallego Lancuentra, the seasoned coach from Lleida, stands out as a top option for the upcoming season. Negotiations between the Franchiverde organization and the Catalan coach are proceeding smoothly, and barring any last-minute obstacles, the arrangement could be announced soon, according to reports confirmed by both sides.
Gallego has received offers from several clubs, yet one of his preferred destinations remains the Elche subsidiary. The Elche club has shown a strong interest in his coaching approach, impressed by his track record. Over the past two seasons, he has led teams to back-to-back promotions to the second RFEF, a feat now aligned with the franchise’s objective for the next campaign, as stated by owner Christian Bragarnik.
Recreativo’s former manager could replace René Martínez as the next head coach. Elche did not renew the contract at the season’s end, creating an opening that Gallego could fill. It is noted that he would still have Nino as an assistant, a move that could help maintain continuity. The green-and-green legend remains in no rush to coach solo, even though he holds a national coaching card and is qualified to lead in any category.
Nino is expected to play a pivotal role in briefing the new coach and reporting on the squad, given that many players are likely to remain from last season, with the former Elche captain having already served as assistant coach.
Spain and beyond
Alberto Gallego Lancuentra (born Lleida, March 16, 1974) is 48 years old. His first managerial stint came in the 2013-2014 season with Club Esportiu EFAC Almacelles, where he earned promotion to the Third Division. In the 2015-2016 season, he joined Vallecano B eam as a scout in the technical secretariat and also managed a youth team. The following year, the Vallecas club gave him an opportunity in the United States, taking charge of Oklahoma City Lightning, a franchise of the Madrid club, where he guided the team to the NASL semi-finals.
He then moved up to become the second coach at New York Universe and, after spending two years in the United States, decided to return to Spain. In the 2017-2018 campaign, he led Mafumet Town in the Catalonia Third Division and later ventured abroad to Volos in the Greek Super League. He came back to Spain and took the reins of Ibiza two seasons ago, helping the team achieve promotion to the second RFEF. The following season he continued the momentum with another successful campaign for the club, and his latest move has him linked with Elche in discussions for the next campaign against Ilicitano.
Gallego is recognized for broad experience in Spain and abroad, with a background in coaching education at various academies, including distinguished clubs such as Rayo Vallecano. Several conversations with Elche have taken place in recent weeks, and aside from a last-minute surprise, he is widely expected to lead the next Elche project. [Citation: Club reports and coaching dossiers, 2024-2025].