Javi Calleja appointed Eldense coach: Córdoba trip in October

Eldense announced this Wednesday the appointment of Javi Calleja as head coach after Claudio Barragán was dismissed ten days earlier, according to Sport. The shake-up comes as the Alicante side looks to reverse a difficult start.

A new bench starts

As Sport notes, Javi Calleja (48) brings experience at professional level from spells at Villarreal, Alavés, Levante and Real Oviedo. His most recent job was with Al-Riyadh in Arabia, a club he left on November 10, 2025. The article also adds that Josep Ferrando had taken charge as interim coach following Barragán’s exit.

Córdoba vs Eldense already dated

Córdoba will face their new opponent in less than a month. Sport reports that the blanquiverde side must visit the Nuevo Pepico Amat on October 10 (18:30) for matchday 9 of LaLiga Hypermotion 2026-27. So, the fixture is set—and Calleja’s early work will likely be key for how Eldense respond.

First match and the bigger picture

Sport further explains that, after close to twenty signings in the summer window and the change at the helm, Eldense want to steady their course. Calleja will take his first training session this Thursday and will make his debut in the Nuevo Pepico Amat next Saturday against Eibar in LaLiga Hypermotion, for matchday 6.