Elche pampers his opponent, but off the field
Elche’s largest shareholder, Christian Bragarnik, has been clear from the moment he arrived: success for the club goes beyond the pitch. The leadership believes that how a team is treated in every encounter matters just as much as results on the field. The latest examples demonstrate how Bragarnik is attentive to details, shaping a culture that prioritizes hospitality and strategic relationships even off the stadium grass.
VL Deltell
Bragarnik’s first display was a showcase of hospitality. The Franciverde leadership anticipated that Real Madrid’s top figures would not attend the scheduled meeting, and they prepared accordingly. In a gesture meant to underscore the club’s status and its dedication to guests, the delegation included Eduardo Fernández de Blas, the vice president, Emilio Butragueño, the Director of Corporate Affairs, and other key members Manuel Torres and Enrique Pérez, who represented the club at the gathering. The venue chosen was La Finca, a renowned restaurant associated with Elche football culture, owned by Susi Díaz. The aim was to demonstrate that Elche offers not only good food but a considerate and premium reception for visitors, reinforcing a sense of hospitality that matches the club’s ambitions.
The second moment came at halftime of a match. Enrique Ortola, a longtime collaborator with the club, led the welcome in the special box for Carlos Alcaraz, the rising tennis star who had just achieved the world number one ranking. The young athlete, known for his strong support of Real Madrid, was hosted by Bragarnik in what was described as a gesture of recognition and camaraderie. Accompanying him was his trainer, Juan Carlos Ferrero, as Alcaraz met with the club’s authorities during the halftime break. The exchange highlighted the close ties Bragarnik fosters between different sports sectors and the value placed on personal connections as part of the club’s broader strategic approach.
Carlos Alcaraz, a luxury spectator at Elche-Real Madrid
VL Deltell
Bragarnik sought to extend this hospitality to the athletic community by inviting Alcaraz to become part of the club’s training network through the equality academy led by Ferrero in Villena. The invitation included an offer for future gym sessions and a personalized shirt featuring the club’s green-and-cream color scheme, symbolizing a collaborative spirit between football and tennis. This gesture reflected Elche’s broader strategy of cultivating cross-sport synergies and strengthening ties with high-profile athletes who inspire wide audiences.
Another notable moment involved Karim Benzema, whose recent success was celebrated with a commemorative plaque acknowledging his status as one of the sport’s top players. The plaque highlighted Benzema’s accomplishments and included a nod to his Ballon d’Or 2022 recognition, marking him as one of the world’s premier football talents. The award plaque was presented in the stadium during a notable match, reinforcing the event as a milestone in Elche’s ongoing efforts to connect with esteemed figures in world football and beyond.
After the final whistle, Benzema expressed gratitude for the moment and the memory Bragarnik personally provided. At the same time, Alcaraz took the opportunity to greet colleagues and idols in the locker room, extending respect to football greats as the match closed. The scene underscored Bragarnik’s philosophy: hospitality and personal connections can elevate a club’s profile and create a sense of community that resonates far beyond the results on the scoreboard.