Alan Pace, president of Espanyol: “Success will be normalizing that we are among the six best in Spain”

Alan Pace appeared before the media in the RCDE Stadium auditorium between excitement, emotion and closeness. He spoke a few words in Catalan, answered in Spanish – “horrible,” he joked – and his voice broke when talking about his connection with Espanyol and with Barcelona, ​​a city with which he fell in love, he said, 30 years ago. “It’s a dream,” the head of Velocity Sports Partners, the investment arm of ALK Capital, repeated on several occasions before around thirty accredited media. He made his new position as president official with complicit gestures and some jokes, far from the triumphalism that accompanied Chen Yansheng—who promised to play in the Champions League in three years—a decade ago, and with more wishes than promises. “Success will be to normalize this club being among the six best in this country,” he said without stridency but with conviction. He spoke about mentality, “growing”, “winning” and making Espanyol known to the world. But, above all, he talked about identity. “My dreams are big,” he said. “My ambition is going to live beyond me, it is something that will last after I die.” But he didn’t make any promises either, although he admitted that he wants to see Espanyol in Europe in five years. “I don’t know if we are going to play in the Champions League, or win it, but that is the goal for us,” he confessed with some caution. His speech did not revolve around signings, budgets, or figures. He stressed that the change of ownership is “more than a business transaction”, that it goes beyond “money and property”, and that it is about what it means for people. «We will earn everyone’s trust with our actions, and not with our words. We are here to respect the past, support the present and build a dignified future.» At his side, Mao Ye, who will continue as executive director of the blue and white entity, and Antonio Dávila, one of his trusted men, with whom he consulted a few words in Spanish. He also mentioned Bradley Spidy, his “right-hand man,” who will be in charge of supporting the strategy and communication of the new project. Pace made it clear that his role will focus on strategy and business, but without intervening in the sporting field, which will continue to be under the responsibility of Fran Garagarza and Manolo González. “I don’t want to interrupt the team process,” he added. In addition, he clarified the position of the Rastar Group, which will maintain a 16.45% stake in the new company. «They are our partners. But they will not do anything on a day-to-day basis, they will do nothing in the planning and strategy,» Pace specified. Regarding the relationship with the English club Burnley, the other club he owns, he insisted that both will be «completely independent», although with «synergies», as if they were «brothers». Even if both reached European competitions at the same time, he assured that everything is planned. And for now he rules out expanding with new clubs. Pace did not talk about investments, football or a specific plan. “At the moment there is no specific plan,” he repeated honestly regarding various topics such as the expansion of the sports city or women’s soccer. But it did set a clear idea: strengthen the youth team, boost it, and give the club back its sense of belonging.» The fans have to see that there is a family. «There are ups and downs, good and bad days, but there is always a tomorrow,» emphasized the new owner of Espanyol. In his speech, Pace found space to open up. “I suffer from anxiety and every day I am afraid,” he suddenly confessed. «But I am very happy, happy and happy to be in this project. It was a dream when 30 years ago my wife and I came to live in Barcelona after being married for two weeks. Now returning is like a honeymoon,» he was excited, remembering his time in Barcelona, ​​a city where he came to study a master’s degree. Now he is reliving it again. Between emotion and ambition, between nostalgia and promise, Alan Pace closed his presentation without big announcements, but with a clear message: Espanyol once again has a project that looks upward. «I don’t want to be remembered for anything. If it were me, I wouldn’t be here in front of you, I would be behind. But I would like to be remembered with respect, and that I am part of the family,» he said with a broken voice. In a club accustomed to the distance and coldness of recent years, Pace’s arrival opened a new stage. A stage of closeness, dreams and identity.