Elche CF's general director, Pedro Schinocca, has addressed rumours of an offer from Deportivo Eldense for Lionel Messi and analysed the delicate sporting situation of the franjiverde club. The Argentine executive tackled several current issues as the team fights to climb out of the lower reaches of the table.
Elche CF faces a tough scenario in La Liga, with just one point from four matchdays, coming from a draw and three defeats. This start leaves them in 19th place. The goal difference, with five scored and twelve conceded, mirrors the difficulties facing Martín Anselmi's squad. The team is also dealing with the absences of Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago.
What did Schinocca say about Messi and Eldense?
Pedro Schinocca referred to the information linking Lionel Messi to Deportivo Eldense, a neighbouring club located just 35 kilometres from Elche. The director, who met the Argentine star personally during a national team training session at Martínez Valero last November, expressed pride at the possibility. "It would be a source of pride to have someone like Leo, who has achieved everything he has achieved, so close by, in a project like Eldense's," stated Schinocca. He emphasised that the news is not confirmed but valued positively that a figure of such stature could be near the province.
The relationship between the two clubs is not new, as Elche CF and Eldense have shared the same division in past seasons. Schinocca, alongside fellow Argentine and club owner Christian Bragarnik, views any initiative that boosts football in the area favourably, though he clarified that Elche CF's focus is different and centred on its own reality.
How does the director assess the start of the season?
The club's top sporting executive was clear in evaluating the first stages of the competition. He acknowledged the difficulty of the schedule but refused to use it as an excuse. "It's not an excuse, but the calendar has been tough." he declared. Schinocca stressed the need to find greater defensive consistency, key to reversing a negative trend.
Despite the poor results, the director extracted positive aspects from the last match, the one played against Real Sociedad. He said that in that game, especially in what was shown at home, the team was close to its best version and displayed the desired performance. This starting point, in his view, must be the foundation for improvement.
What are the next challenges for Elche CF?
The path ahead is not easy. The next fixture is a trip to San Mamés to face Athletic Club on September 12th. A tough match that precedes another highly demanding encounter. The general director's confidence remains in the coaching staff and the squad's ability to adapt to the high level of La Liga.
Schinocca confirmed the club is willing to strengthen the squad if an opportunity arises to sign a player who significantly improves the current level, taking on the corresponding salary slot. The immediate priority, however, is to take points from the upcoming matches to start climbing the table. Fans can follow the team's progress. Elche CF is searching for its first victory of the 2026-27 season in a scenario of maximum demand.
