Atticgo Elche, led by coach Joaquín Rocamora, found a steady balance in the opening phase of the season, as the club’s communications department highlighted. In the Guerreras League-Iberdrola, the Franjiverde squad sits in second place with 18 points after nine wins and two losses, narrowly trailing the leader, Super Amara Bera Bera from San Sebastián. The team also faced two qualifying rounds in the EHF European Cup, progressing past Byala of Bulgaria and ONF Ionoas of Greece on the road to Europe.
Atticgo Elche relinquishes the lead in Galicia (26-25)
David Marine
Rocamora emphasized the team’s strong finish to the first round. The squad won nine of eleven matches and elevated its historical points-per-game average, showcasing dominance and clear advantages in multiple encounters, a trend the coach attributed to a well-balanced mix of youth and experience. He noted that the squad exceeded initial expectations by earning two extra points in the opening phase, all while injuries stayed minimal and manageable.
According to Rocamora, the ability to win week after week is a pleasant surprise for a young roster that sometimes wrestles with consistent focus. The coach pointed to the team’s tendency to win by comfortable margins this season, highlighting the collective mindset that supports such results. The ambition to challenge the championship was framed by Rocamora after eight years with the club, signaling a desire to bring the squad closer to the adult level and maintain steady progress.
Rocamora added that the season’s pressure was necessary and that it should not be dismissed as mere formality. The best aspect of the first phase, in his view, was how the team adapted to a new playing system, shifting from a defensive focus to a potent attacking approach that produced an average near 30 goals per match.
On the downside, the Elche side faced a disconnect against Bera Bera, a team that has become a familiar opponent and a home base for their former coach. Still, the emphasis remained on learning from every game and maintaining the path toward greater achievements in the league and in Europe.
Atticgo Elche takes a firm stance against Bera Bera (22-32)
David Marine
Rocamora acknowledged the difficulty of facing a powerhouse like Bera Bera, noting that the result did not reflect the true level of his team on that day. The setback was framed as a valuable learning moment, underscoring that the club’s long-term goals should not be judged by a single match. The coach reminded everyone of the squad’s roots, with a strong representation from Alicante and the Valencian Community, and stressed that the club’s structure remains a critical ingredient in sustained performance.
Looking ahead, Rocamora predicted a challenging second half of the season. Atticgo Elche, the previous League runner-up, would demand even more respect from opponents, particularly as the club aims to excel in the EHF European Cup, a major objective for the organization. The coach reflected on the prior year’s semi-final run and the lingering bitterness of not reaching the final, using it as motivation to pursue the title despite the hurdles.
Rocamora also highlighted pride in guiding the Spanish youth team toward the next World Cup, marking a high point after years away from the elite level. This achievement reflects the pathway he has helped build within the club, bridging the development of younger players with the senior squad’s ambitions.
Joaquín Rocamora leads the Spanish youth team to the World Cup again after six years
JA Galvan
This accomplishment was described as a dream realized for an ambitious coach who set his sights on placing Spain among the top eight or ten teams this summer. The focus extends beyond victories to the manner in which young players achieve those results, emphasizing growth, discipline, and teamwork as the core values driving future success.