Coach Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre spoke to the press this Sunday as the team prepared for the match the following day. The gathering took place ahead of Monday’s showdown against Elche at the Martinez Valero stadium. Aguirre, the Mexican manager guiding the Vermillion club, described the upcoming game as an unknown challenge because Elche could line up differently with a new leadership in place.
He noted that they would not know which version of Elche would appear with Alberto Gallego at the helm and Francis no longer in charge after the recent defeat at Vallecas. Aguirre stressed that the opponent had a plan and a distinct style, and that this would feel like an uncertain test. Still, he emphasized that his team knew what they needed to do on the pitch and would focus on executing their plan with discipline and intent.
According to Aguirre, the squad must improve their ball handling and circulation. He expressed confidence that his players can learn quickly, tighten up mistakes, and use better decision-making in possession. He also hinted that tactically the team has grown and will serve as a reliable gauge of progress during the upcoming match, a true measure of the work done in training sessions.
The injury to left-back Jaume Costa will force a tactical adjustment on the left side. Brian Cufré, an Argentine winger who made his top-flight debut with the club, emerged as the primary option to step in for Costa. Aguirre highlighted that Cufré was ready to contribute strong minutes at Martínez Valero, recalling how he played the final thirteen minutes against Barcelona after Costa’s early exit. The coach reiterated his belief in treating every squad member with equal importance, ensuring that players who do not start regularly still feel valued and prepared for their moment on the field.
Attention also turned to Amath Ndiaye, the Senegalese striker who has returned to action after an injury, alongside defender José Manuel Copete, who has overcome fitness issues. Aguirre noted that Ndiaye can effectively operate behind the central forward and has delivered strong performances since arriving. He mentioned José Manuel’s sacrifice in recent selections, explaining that the decision-making process involved weighing a Second Division option against a player with top-flight experience. When faced with such choices, Aguirre said, the objective remains to pick the best-balanced squad, and that balancing act is one of the most challenging parts of his role as coach.