Álex Sancris: “I hope it will be a wonderful year” 

C.D. Leganés introduced Álex Sancris as a new member of the team on Wednesday. The Madrid-born winger, who arrives on loan from Getafe C.F. with a conditional purchase option, expressed his excitement about returning to the club, where he previously played for the reserve team for four seasons.

The club’s director of soccer, Andrés Pardo, opened the presentation ceremony by welcoming the player: “For us, it’s a dream come true to have him back home after the four seasons he spent with us. We were interested in him back then, and a year later, here he is. We’re looking forward to having him with us after his stints in Linares and Burgos before joining Getafe. He’s a huge asset to us, and I hope he enjoys the team and the season.”

Álex, for his part, wanted to “thank Andrés for making everything so easy and comfortable. I’m very happy to be here and to help the club continue to grow. I hope it will be a wonderful year; I think we’re going to have a lot of fun and dream big.”

Álex Sancris: “I know this league well, and I can bring a lot of pace, commitment, and hard work to the team.”

Reflections on his time with the reserve team: “From my first stint here, I especially remember Carlos Martínez, who’s an icon here and the one who believed in me—and with whom I earned promotion to the Second Federation. He’s one of the most important people in my career, and I thank him for believing in me.”

Joining the team: “These past two days have been wonderful. I feel right at home. I’m coming from a different situation, without the same preseason workload, and I’ll try to adapt as quickly as possible so I can compete with the team.”

Goal of staying in the upper half: “It would be a source of pride for everyone. I know this league—it’s very tough, and you can’t think beyond the next game. The team has what it takes, but the first goal is to reach fifty points to secure survival, and then take it one game at a time. I think that’s the secret to success in the Second Division.”

Experience: “I know this league, and I can bring a lot of directness, commitment, and hard work to the team. Things may go well or not so well, but I’m always ready to learn and help my teammates and the coaching staff.”

Role on the field: “I spoke with the coach, and I’m training as a wingback for now. It’s a position similar to mine, with some defensive nuances. It comes very naturally to me; I’m eager to learn and I’m thrilled.”

Atienza: “I’ve had a special relationship with him for years, and we enjoy being together. He’s partly responsible for me being here, and I’m very happy to be with him again.”

Moving up from the reserve team: “I never imagined I’d make my debut in the First Division. At first, I didn’t want to go to Linares because it was the first time I’d been away from home, but it was wonderful and a step up that brought me closer to professional soccer. I’m thrilled to have gone through all the stages I’ve gone through.”

Former teammates from Leganés “B”: “Ivi is a loyal Leganés fan and will be very happy that I’m here. That’s how it goes in soccer—I knew there were players who were more than capable, but sometimes there’s that unfortunate aspect of not making it to the professional level.”

Andrés Pardo: “We believe that, with Álex’s arrival, the roster is very strong”

Later, Andrés Pardo answered questions from the media:

Possible interest in Morata: “We never talk about players who aren’t here. If he’s watching us, the club’s doors are open. There isn’t much more to say. A player with his profile is undoubtedly a top-tier athlete; other circumstances would have to align. I don’t like to mention names, because in the vast majority of cases, there’s nothing to it. When a name like that comes up, the obstacle could be anything but a sporting one.”

Situation of players not getting playing time: “There are just a few days left, and every hour is very intense. They’ve known their situation since early June; we understand that, from a sporting standpoint, the best outcome would be for them to leave, but that may or may not happen. There are fewer days left, but every hour is very intense.”

Final adjustments to the roster: “We believe that with Álex, the roster is very strong; he can play as a wingback or a second striker—he’s fast, creative, has a knack for scoring, and is full of energy… In the coming days, if there are any departures at center back, we should bring in a replacement there, and if a forward joins the team, that would be ideal from a roster management standpoint.”

Possible departures: “Due to licensing issues, new signings don’t necessarily depend on players leaving—we have some roster spots available. The departures we’re working on are more for the players’ own good, so they can pursue other opportunities, rather than just to free up roster spots.”

Plan if no players leave: “We’re more focused on making sure players leave. Players want to play and enjoy themselves. They’re high-level athletes, but sometimes, due to squad structure or other factors, they don’t end up getting playing time. Staying on a team where you sense you won’t get a chance to play isn’t good for any player.”