Christian Bragnik has moved to the Elche territory with a clear objective in mind. The owner of the Franciverde club has just returned from a productive spell in Argentina, where he spent several weeks assessing potential directions for the squad. On a Wednesday evening, in his office at the Martínez Valero stadium, he is actively working to finalize the appointment of a new manager to replace the recently dismissed Francisco.
On the table is a carefully curated list of coaches who could take charge of a team shaped by the technical secretary Sergio Mantecón. The most prominent names being considered include Paco López, José Bordalás, and Javi Calleja. There are others in the mix as well, such as Javi Gracia, Vicente Moreno, and Álvaro Cervera, all of whom have been subject to influence and discussions from various directions. Bragarnik’s portfolio also features Argentine options like Sebastián Beccacece and Diego Cocca, reflecting a blend of local and international experience that could suit the club’s ambitions.
The decision maker now must come from the owner himself, steering the process with a steady hand. The expectation had been for the new coach to take charge either on Wednesday or Thursday, but developments shifted the timetable. Assistant coaches from the subsidiary, including Alberto Gallego, Nino, and Dani Llácer, alongside some of the first-team staff who were guiding the team in recent days, began to assume responsibilities while the owner weighed his next moves. Bragarnik is portrayed as someone who avoids rushing decisions, aiming to make the right call rather than a quick one. In the last hours, there has been renewed effort to persuade Bordalás, a figure who has expressed affection for the Elche project but is cautious about stepping back into management and inclined to leverage recent success toward a move to a higher level club.
The Argentine contenders Beccacece and Cocca have seen their influence wane somewhat, though Beccacece has not been completely dismissed. Among the Spanish coaches, while Bordalás remains a top option, figures like Paco López, Javi Gracia, and Vicente Moreno are also in the frame. Moreno faces the practical issue that his recent contract with Al Shabaab in the Saudi Professional League has concluded, making his availability contingent on negotiations and current form. The coaching search thus reflects a balance between proven experience and the fresh energy often sought by clubs in transition, with Bragarnik weighing cultural fit, tactical philosophy, and the potential for immediate impact on the squad and locker room dynamics.
Bragarnik did not participate in the last two training sessions, choosing instead to stay in his office while engaging in discussions with the coaching staff and their representatives. The quiet, persistent nature of his involvement underscores a leadership style that prioritizes scrutiny and careful listening over spectacle. It is clear that the ownership is intent on aligning the appointment with long-term goals for Elche, rather than chasing a quick fix. The ongoing conversations reveal a broader strategy to secure a coach who can integrate effectively with the club’s playing style, mentor a diverse group of players, and deliver sustainable results in the league and cup competitions. [citation: Elche club leadership discourse, 2025 update]