HE AtticGo Elche Handball Club advances their Liga Iberdrola match against Guerreras ahead of the weekend, with Rocasa Gran Canaria visiting on Tuesday, January 9 at 20:00 inside Pabellon Esperanza Delays. They will also host the first leg of the qualifying round in the EHF European Cup round of 16 against Madeira in Portugal this Saturday.
The Franjiverdes sit fourth in the standings with 20 points, one behind Caja Rural Aula Valladolid and two behind the two major favorites, Costa del Sol Málaga and Súper Amara Bera Bera from San Sebastián. They aim to secure another victory in a tricky home test. This season the Canary Islands side does not boast the same upfront power as in past campaigns; they sit eighth, but the Elche coach warned that Rocamora is a very dangerous opponent and should not be underestimated.
The Oriola coach held a press conference before the Rocasa clash and stated that his team is fine. They have been off since the 5th, but the squad has trained hard and studied well. A month of repeated sessions left the team without injuries, which allows for better preparation and execution on match day.
Rocamora noted that the team has not been sharp at the start in recent games, especially in late December, but he added that the squad is performing well collectively and emotionally. The cohesion shown by the players has helped maintain focus through a demanding schedule.
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Elche’s coach anticipates a stern test from Rocasa, recognizing many similarities with last season’s squad. The team has integrated numerous young players and multiple transfers. The season began without a goalkeeper and with some injuries, and despite early difficulties the squad has shown resilience. The coach believes that the squad can pursue titles and that Rocasa will pose significant challenges in the league playoffs, the Queen’s Cup, and European competition. The rise in competition is clear after a couple of early defeats that forced a recalibration, but the current squad remains attractive with several standout players who can influence outcomes.
Atticgo Elche will play against Madeira on January 13 and 20
The coach of Elche commented on plans for the Madeira fixtures, acknowledging that the schedule is tight and travel will be demanding. He emphasized the desire to expose players to different roles and tactical setups, noting the team does not rely solely on the European contest but keeps a balanced focus on the domestic league as well. The group will be prepared to adapt quickly, and every player will have opportunities to contribute and challenge the coaching staff with fresh ideas for how the team can perform at a high level. The squad remains healthy, and minutes will be allocated to ensure broad development across the roster.
When asked about the keys to the game against the Canary Islands, the Oriola coach stressed productive launches, consistent defense, and maintaining confidence. He highlighted the need for a balanced approach that leverages the depth of the squad and takes advantage of opportunities created in transition. The aim is to be bold, defend effectively against dangerous players, and gradually sharpen attacking efficiency. With players capable of shifting momentum, the team plans to press forward and elevate performance while managing minutes to keep everyone fresh for late-season challenges.