Ambition, a fierce competitive edge, and a genuine love for the quarry define the philosophy of Rafa Monclova, the new manager of HLA Alicante. The Sevilla coach is already collaborating closely with sports director Luis Arbalejo as they shape a refreshed squad for the coming season. Only two players, Guillem Arcos and Pedro Llompart, hold contracts for the next term. More players are anticipated than in the previous year, while the club meticulously reviews all options and finalizes the budget for a campaign that is expected to be highly competitive. Monclova has stated that talks of goals beyond the immediate match are not his focus, though Arbalejo has noted the same sentiment. The objective is simple: secure a playoff position and pursue a path to the ACB in the medium or long term.
During his official presentation, the Lucentum heir apparent emphasized that he is part of an Alicante team competing in LEB Oro. “It is both a pleasure and a responsibility, given the club’s demanding history,” he remarked.
The Sevilla coach, who took over from Gonzalo García de Vitoria, expressed gratitude for the confidence shown and highlighted the club’s intent to “make a leap in quality, rise, and grow.”
Rafa Monclova, new manager of HLA Alicante
By Cesar Hernandez
“Choosing this club was straightforward. HLA Alicante has evolved from solidity and seriousness”, he explained, adding that his aim is a team that is “competitive and clearly defined in style.” The first league match, with fans already displaying strong identification with the team, reinforced the visitor’s impression of a shared bond between club and supporters.
“We are ambitious because this club offers room for growth, energy, and a drive to rise higher,” the coach stated with conviction.
Monclova also acknowledged that the time has come to plan the squad and that the club will seek players who “possess hunger and a clear purpose for joining.”
“There wasn’t a fixed count of signings discussed, as financial constraints and personal considerations weighed in. A very solid squad existed last year, but with a managerial change, we need to see which players can best serve us,” he added.
Luis Arbalejo, the sporting director, praised Monclova’s background as a development-focused coach and admitted that while he preferred not to set explicit targets, neither he nor the coach came to Alicante to fight merely for safety.
“The league is continually rising, and I don’t want to talk about finishing fifth or eighth, but rather about the path forward with measured ambition. The club’s challenge is to be in the ACB in the medium or long term,” he added.
Arbalejo confirmed there will be a sizable influx of signings for next year, noting that only Pedro Llompart and Guillem Arcos currently have deals and that Monclova is on a one-year contract.
A new phase begins for Lucentum, guided by maximum ambition across all departments.