Luis Blanco drawn by Europa’s “welcoming” nature on arrival

“When you see Europa from the outside, you see it as very welcoming and you want to be part of it.” Presented on Tuesday as the club’s new coach, Luis Blanco expressed his enthusiasm for the project at a press conference alongside president Héctor Ibar and sporting director Marc Fabra.

The coach said he was very happy, full of energy and convinced the team will have a very good season. Describing himself as a very competitive coach, he said he was convinced the work would be good, otherwise he would not be there.

Blanco nevertheless acknowledged the difficulty of the challenge. “The competition is very tough and we are a humble but very hard-working team,” he said. In his view, Europa stands apart through its synergy with the neighbourhood and its supporters, as well as a feeling he considers very special and “a plus”.

The new coach has already taken charge of his first training session and reported very positive impressions. He said he had seen plenty of enthusiasm and willingness, while referring, based on the information available to him, to a good group and dressing room. The players see playing for Europa as an opportunity, he added.

Héctor Ibar also addressed the dismissal of Josep Maria Gené, which was decided unanimously by the board of directors. According to the president, four matchdays may appear to be a small number, but there were dynamics behind the decision. The loss of confidence led the club to believe that a change was preferable.

The president also discussed Alberto González’s return to the club as Luis Blanco’s assistant, saying that a series of situations had created tension around him during the summer. Asked about a possible return for Gené, he replied that he could not return because Marc Fabra is sporting director, while stressing that the club’s gratitude towards the former coach was immense.

Marc Fabra also spoke about his predecessor as sporting director, saying he had been greatly influenced by him, had learned a great deal alongside him, and was, and would remain, always very grateful to him.