Beccacece Faces Uphill Test as Elche Prepares for Andorra Showdown

Elche CF coach Sebastián Beccacece held a press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Andorra, scheduled for Sunday at 21:00 inside Martínez Valero stadium.

The Argentinian manager expressed that he has felt the club’s trust and the players’ willingness throughout a tough week. He also reiterated that he would consider stepping aside if victory does not come, admitting that leaving Elche would be painful for the club he cares about, yet insisting he has no regrets about his honesty and transparency.

After the draw with Gijón, Beccacece noted that keeping his role would not be worth it if the team then defeated Andorra. Is this a sign of unusual candor for a coach, or simply the truth as he sees it?

Beccacece said, in essence, that he has always acted with openness. He loves Elche and feels welcomed, but the sentiment does not guarantee loyalty or results. He emphasized that football is about outcomes, insisting the team still needs at least five more points. He stated that Elche is the side with the most intensity, the most ball possession, and the most shots, yet acknowledged two away games where balance was missing. He refused to offer excuses, accepting the task of discussing transfers only when necessary, while vowing to work with the resources available to recover the current situation. He promised to give his best until the last day he is in charge and expressed belief that the best version of the team could emerge against Andorra, representing Elche with the dignity it deserves and moving forward, even as he felt the weight of responsibility personally.

And he kept his ultimatum alive.

Beccacece urged everyone to rise and take responsibility, saying players should not be blamed alone. Despite relegation from the Primera Liga, he highlighted a positive stretch, noting that in the Segunda Division the team is solid at home but faced challenges abroad in matches at Burgos and Gijón. He refrained from dwelling on transfers or departures, instead urging a bold response and hopeful results.

Argentinian coach Beccacece leaves the press room at the stadium [Photo: MATÍAS SEGARRA]

The journalist asked whether Beccacece felt the players trusted him.

Trust, he replied, is earned by daily actions. His transparency remains visible to both players and staff. Pressures are a normal part of the coach’s life, and the consequences are something everyone learns to live with. Consistency is hard to maintain, but footballers must cope with reality as well. He believes a victory over Andorra could prove the team is steadfast and capable.

Beccacece also referred to a meeting with team owner Christian Bragarnik and technical secretary Sergio Mantecón to discuss his situation. What did they say? They expressed belief in the work being done, and he sensed their trust and the fans’ affection. He noted that, regardless of outcomes, there will always be moments when even solid performances do not produce the desired results, and those moments call for a rethink, even when the team deserves better.

Beccacece makes statements [Photo: MATÍAS SEGARRA]

Two seasons earlier, Girona stayed in twelfth place, chose to retain Míchel, earned promotion, and now lead the Primera Division. Could a similar path unfold for Elche? Beccacece believed in the possibility, underscoring that sometimes a broader strategy requires letting go of certain things. He stressed that a win against Andorra could provide the momentum needed for progress, and that results come from a longer process. He trusted the players, the work, and the team when playing well, but accepted that wins were not guaranteed at all times.

What kind of test awaits Andorra? Beccacece said the opponent controls most of the ball and hails from a quality squad last season. It will be a difficult match, requiring Elche to dominate, attack, and stay tight when the ball is not theirs.

Andorra, a mirror Beccacece examined before joining Elche

JA Galvan

Fans continued their loyalty, selling tickets for the next game in Elda despite Elche’s precarious league position. Beccacece appreciated the support and noted it contrasts with earlier stretches when results lagged. He stressed that loyalty should be repaid and that the squad must respond in kind.

Beccacece accepts Elche’s current reality as normal [Photo: MATÍAS SEGARRA]

What is the squad for the match, and have the injured or ill players recovered?

All are available except one player named John. This has a positive ring to it, especially during a challenging period. Beccacece reiterated his commitment and the consistency of his work, insisting he would not place blame on the team and that his decision to leave would come only if necessary, as he did not hide anything. He remained hopeful that the team would rebound and keep faith with the plan.

Beccacece preserves his squad for Elche’s final push against Andorra [Photo: MATÍAS SEGARRA]

The final decision will be made the next day. If Elche cannot defeat Girona, Sebastián Beccacece’s tenure on the Elche bench could come to an end.

[Citations: MATÍAS SEGARRA]