Lautaro Blanco attended Elche’s training sessions
JA Galvanized
Elche’s latest signing agreed to a five-season contract, arriving with ambitious hopes of breaking into European and Spanish football and helping the club secure top-tier status. Blanco describes himself as a left-back who can also operate as a winger or a defender, ready to contribute wherever needed. If relegation looms, the club avoids discussing his future, while his dream, shared by many Argentine players, is to excel in the Green-Franjiverde squad. Soon enough, he may don the Argentina national team jersey.
Lautaro Blanco: “Coming to Elche and to Europe is a very important step in my career”
JA Galvanized
How is the adaptation going? Could a shorter training period be possible?
Adjusting to a different league and country, especially from Argentina, requires time to settle into a new style of play. Blanco is navigating that adjustment and hopes to reach his teammates’ rhythm swiftly, so he can contribute on the pitch as soon as possible.
What’s your impression of the club and the people you’ve met in these weeks?
They have made him feel welcome from day one. It’s a pleasant club, and after three weeks he feels relaxed and happy. The presence of many fellow Argentines helps integration, with teammates offering support.
Has he spoken with the coach? What was asked?
There has not been a direct conversation yet. The emphasis has been on dedication and hard work from the entire squad.
He competes for the left-back spot with Carlos Clerc and Nico Fernández Mercau.
Blanco arrived to compete and help the team. He aims to show his best form, leaving the coach to decide who plays.
He signed in August when Elche’s outlook was high. The current lower-table situation has altered the mood, but his focus remains on the challenge ahead. Blanco spoke about his dream of performing well for the Green-Franjiverde and the possibility of representing Argentina in the future.
Lautaro Blanco: “Coming to Elche and to Europe is a very important step in my career”
JA Galvanized
How is your adaptation going? Could the fact of spending a few weeks training be shortened?
Adjusting to a different league and a different country requires time. He is embracing that process and hopes to move through it quickly, helping the team gain rhythm with his teammates.
What do you think of the club and the people you meet in these early weeks?
They have made him feel welcome. It’s a very nice club. After three weeks, he feels relaxed and content. The presence of many Argentines on the squad facilitates integration and support from others.
Did you talk to the coach? What did she ask?
They haven’t had a direct chat yet. The focus has been on dedication and effort from all teammates.
He competes with Carlos Clerc and Nico Fernández Mercau for the left-back position.
He arrived to compete with fellow players and aid the team. He will simply present his best version, and the coach will decide.
Blanco reflected on his August signing, noting Elche’s high expectations at the time and acknowledging that the current reality is different. He remains grateful to the club for the chance to play in Europe and is focused on contributing to the team’s improvement and survival.
His farewell to Rosario Central carried strong emotions.
Blanco emphasized that finishing his era at Central, a club close to his heart, was meaningful for him and his family. He arrived with his partner, ready to begin a new chapter and give his best effort at Elche.
Lautaro Blanco bids farewell to Rosario Central for Elche
JA Galvanized
What differences did he notice between Spanish and Argentine football in early friendlies?
He hasn’t fully grasped the differences yet, having played friendlies against English and Belgian teams. He expects to perceive more distinctions as he faces Spanish opposition in competitive matches.
How would you describe his playing style?
Blanco’s primary position is left back, with the versatility to push higher up the pitch. In recent preparations, he often operated as a left winger, ready to assist as needed.
In Argentina, he is mentioned alongside Nico Fernández Mercau as the country’s future left-backs. He hopes to represent the national team someday, though his current focus is on excelling at Elche and seizing the opportunity when it comes.
He signed a five-year contract. If the team faces relegation, would he consider staying with Elche?
Blanco said the priority is to avoid relegation and help the team finish the season strongly. Future discussions would take place after the campaign concludes.
Lautaro Blanco officially presented this Tuesday as the new Elche CF player, an Argentine left-back who has been training with the squad for three weeks. The first winter market update confirms he will not face Celta on January 6, as registration windows open on January 2.