Football thrives on results and the drama that surrounds them. While the thrill of the win remains, the downward spiral of Elche CF to the Second Division has sparked a new way of thinking, showing how hopes can influence choices and shift perspectives in a heartbeat.
Sebastián Beccacece arrived at Elche amid a cloud of doubts about timing and fit. With limited knowledge of Spanish football but a clear sense of his own ability, he faced a single objective for the coming season: secure promotion and bring Elche back to the top tier of Spanish football.
The season began with five straight losses, deepening the uncertainty and testing the belief in the project.
Beccacece’s mission in the season’s closing chapter was simple on the surface: prepare the squad for the next campaign and lay the groundwork for a successful return to the higher division. Yet the message did not fully pierce the club’s established mindset, where the franciverdismo ethos and the weight of expectations lingered. Results continued to be uneven, making the task appear daunting.
From the club’s core at Martínez Valero to the players themselves, there was a steadfast conviction in the owner’s plan. Christian Bragarnik’s strategy found supporters within Elche, and it seemed that Beccacece arriving sooner rather than later would serve the long-term interests of the team.
Step by step, through difficulty and doubt, the Argentine coach gathered followers. Today, there is broad confidence that he will lead Elche through the next phase in the second division.
Beccacece: “We must prepare for a long and difficult year in Division Two”
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RESULTS
Two wins and a growing sense of momentum
Beccacece celebrated a decisive 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, a result that unlocked some confidence two days earlier. Another key moment came when the team defeated Atlético Madrid 1-0, a win that underscored a shift in mood and affirmed Beccacece’s leadership and tactical insight.
In the last two home games, Elche secured victories and accumulated six points, something predecessors such as Francisco, Jorge Almirón, and Pablo Machín could not achieve. Even with relegation looming, the loyal franciverde supporters found reasons to celebrate, and once the ball was in play, the rest mattered less. In Beccacece’s first five matches, earlier doubts gave way to a growing belief that the path forward was taking shape.
TACTICS
An increasingly recognizable system on display
Initial choices under Beccacece placed Carmona and then John in pivotal roles, with Mascarell as a central presence. This phase of experimentation has earned the nickname madness among some observers, reflecting the audacity of the approach.
As time passes, the core idea becomes clearer. The pivot is there to shield the defense, orchestrate quick short passes through midfielders like Gumbau and Fidel, and help build play through the middle so the full-backs can push higher. The team shifted away from rigid, static central structures in favor of a more fluid defense with players like Mascarell acting as a creative conduit. Bigas and Clerc have shown notable improvement in recent matches.
Beccacece also integrated a flexible system with five defenders at times while deploying three or four players in midfield and attack. On the left, Lautaro, and on the wings, Tete Morente, both flexible and increasingly influential in this plan. They have become essential pieces in the coach’s framework.
The tactical progression allowed the players to absorb Beccacece’s style more quickly. In the clash against Atlético Madrid, Elche pressed high, challenged opponents, exploited gaps, and recovered the ball aggressively, demonstrating a concerted team-wide effort.
The most recent home fixtures at Martínez Valero ended with clean sheets and a pair of wins, reinforcing a sense of defensive solidity and collective improvement.
CLOSE TO FANS
A connection that matters to everyone involved
Sebastián Beccacece has never shied away from engaging deeply with the club’s community. From the first moment, there was a clear intention to fuse the team with franciverde identity.
Having just arrived, he was eager to see at first hand what Elche means to the city and how the club’s supporters respond to every challenge. The city’s leadership recognized the club’s importance by contributing to its ongoing efforts. Beccacece attended the Centenary Gala organized by the Peñas Federation and made it a point to meet with schoolchildren to share experiences. In his early days, he also sat for private interviews with the media.
From the outset, the Argentine coach understood the magnitude of the task. It is a demanding moment, yet he remains focused on growth and steady improvement, avoiding emotional extremes or overconfidence.
Beccacece: “Opportunity comes at a difficult time, but we will work hard to get out of this reality”
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This path forward has earned Beccacece growing support. Progress is evident, and while the journey remains lengthy, there is no clear doubt about his ability to steer Elche through this phase. The team continues to make steady advances toward reclaiming their place in the higher division, one match at a time.