Javi Calleja calls Messi ‘the leader’ of Eldense’s project

“Messi is the leader of this project,” Javi Calleja said of the Argentine’s role at Deportivo Eldense. The new coach was speaking in an interview with Cadena Ser as the club looks to find stability after a turbulent start to the season.

Eldense’s opening stretch has brought eight rounds, three coaches and a change of ownership. Calleja’s arrival came after a 4-1 win over Oviedo, and the Azulgranas now appear to be beginning to settle. The coach also described his first exchange with Messi as a source of “enthusiasm” and desire, saying the Argentine firmly believes things can be done well.

Calleja said he had spoken with Messi, whom he described as closely involved in every aspect of the project. He called the Argentine the person who had placed the most trust in this new Deportivo Eldense, among a group of backers investing heavily in the venture.

The coach recalled facing Messi in the past, both as a manager and as a player. He described a footballer who could bring to the professional game the feeling of superiority people might experience in a schoolyard. Watching him is a joy for a supporter, Calleja said, but facing him is painful; he considers Messi “the best player in the world”.

For now, the club’s immediate target is staying up, Calleja said. After meeting the president and establishing that priority, the next ambition is not to set limits. Eldense’s coach described an ambitious project, with plans to improve the squad each season and, if circumstances allow, aim for promotion to the first division. He also stressed how difficult promotion is, even when everything is done well.

Calleja added that he is happy in Elda and had been waiting a long time for a project of this kind. He said the win over Oviedo was not earned through football alone: his team also showed competitive resolve and knew when to endure and when to work.