Mauro Óbolo and Antonio Barragán join Elche sports commission
Pedro Schinocca, the sports entity’s general manager, opened the press conference and underscored the moment as a milestone for the club. He stated that the new sports structure is a top priority for Elche CF and acknowledged the season’s difficulties, while expressing confidence in the team that will lead the project and the renewed dedication to the club’s ambitions.
Schinocca highlighted that the club will reinforce its framework by introducing three core figures who bring deep ties to Elche: Sergio Mantecón, Mauro Óbolo, and Antonio Barragán. Óbolo, a former striker and current sporting director, and Barragán, a longtime Franjiverde alum, will join Mantecón in directing the new commission. Their combined experience in playing, coaching, and managing locker rooms is presented as a strong foundation for the club’s future goals.
Schinocca explained that these profiles form a cohesive team grounded in belonging, dedication, and teamwork, aligned with Elche CF’s values. The announcement was accompanied by a formal reception of the new leadership, emphasizing the intention to strengthen and stabilize the club’s sporting structure.
Introduction to the new sports commission was further celebrated with a formal credit line to the process, underscoring the commitment of the individuals involved and their shared purpose for the club’s progression.
Own reconnaissance department
Schinocca announced the creation of a scouting department within Elche’s new sporting framework. The department will include four personnel, with one already at the club and three new arrivals ready to join immediately. The move signals a proactive approach to talent identification and squad planning for upcoming seasons.
New heroes
The leadership group is described as highly dynamic, with some members taking on expanded responsibilities while maintaining their core roles. Mantecón and Óbolo will steer the new cycle, supported by Barragán. The management expects that diverse perspectives will expand opportunities and reduce errors, leveraging Óbolo’s familiarity with Bragarnik and a broad knowledge of Latin American, Spanish, and European football markets.
The structure aims to stay flexible, with roles evolving as needed. Óbolo emphasizes the importance of collaboration and a shared drive to elevate the club. He notes a long-standing relationship with Bragarnik and the opportunity to contribute from Europe after valuable experiences in South American football.
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Barragán, a former Franciverde player, stressed the intention to work closely with the group and minimize mistakes in pursuit of promotion. He described a clear path, combining his studies in Sport Management with the chance to help Elche CF. He expressed confidence that the leadership team will align decisions in the club’s best interests and that he will bring his on-field perspective to governance and development efforts.
Which team do you have in mind?
Mantecón described the plan to maintain a core of key personnel as the structure closes and the season approaches. The aim is to analyze the squad, renew contracts where appropriate, and build a strong team from the ground up while keeping the club’s identity intact.
Mauro supported the concept, noting the goal to close the structure and targets while honoring the club’s legacy. Barragán echoed the importance of working together within the club’s means and recruiting players who can contribute to promotion efforts.
What is Elche’s purpose?
Schinocca stated that Elche CF should be a protagonist with the objective of returning to top-flight competition. The sports commission, led by Mantecón and Óbolo and supported by Barragán, is designed to assemble a team with extensive expertise to recruit an effective staff and assemble a competitive squad.
Why a new build?
Mantecón explained that after several discussions, the club decided to invest in sports management resources to strengthen the department. The focus is on human resources and season preparation in the second tier, with a belief that a larger, more capable team will yield better results in the long term. Six eyes are said to provide more perspective than two.
Will Bragarnik continue to have a say in transfers?
The response highlighted that ownership and the coaching staff play critical roles in professional clubs. Bragarnik is viewed as a football-minded owner whose involvement will be coordinated with the coaching staff to ensure alignment with the team’s profile and needs. The emphasis is on organized collaboration to improve hit rates while acknowledging that no process is flawless.
Does Elche have a budget for the next campaign?
Schinocca noted that the season is ongoing and relegation outcomes are not yet settled. A clearer financial picture will emerge once La Liga concludes, guiding future planning.
Will the South American market be important?
Mantecón affirmed that the domestic market remains key, especially in the Second Division where international slots are limited. As long as the current squad improves, all markets will be evaluated, with attention to how international adaptation could affect performance and speed of impact.
How is the renovation of players going?
The technical secretary indicated that conversations have taken place with several players who could fit next season. Early engagement with coaches is part of assessing persistence and form, with most players contacted to gauge interest in continuing with Elche. Decisions will be made after season-end evaluations.
What message can be given to the fans after a great season?
Mantecón expressed gratitude toward the fans, noting their exemplary conduct and the surprise of visiting teams at Martínez Valero. He promised ongoing work and renewed human resources efforts across the club, thanking supporters for their loyalty and optimism about next season’s leadership under the club’s fans and staff alike.
Mantecón, do you admit you made mistakes?
The technical secretary acknowledged that seasons with challenges require honest reflection. He emphasized ongoing internal review, learning from past oversights, and expanding knowledge and human capacity to guide management toward better results in the future.