Elche CF’s head coach, Sebastián Beccacece, spoke about the team’s drive to excel in the Copa del Rey. The club has shown a hunger for glory in the knockout competition before, including a historic run that surfaced in 1969 when the club reached the cup final. He affirmed that the squad must face Linares with energy and belief to keep dreaming. In a recent press conference, the Argentinian coach explained that the cup represents a tournament that elevates expectations and reconnects everyone to the core excitement of football. In this format, any team can challenge professionals from different leagues and countries, regardless of size or reputation.
At the moment, the marquee challenge is Elche facing Linares. Yet the squad remains convinced they can advance, enjoying the tournament and the prospect of facing new rivals who may soon demand greater respect in wider circles.
David Campaña will manage Linares in the cup match against Elche
JA Galvan
Beccacece emphasized that the thrill of imagining such outcomes fuels the team. The focus is squarely on the Cup, even though the most recent league victory over Alcorcón is still fresh in memory. The team is fully connected, with every resource directed toward Thursday’s match. Beccacece noted that he prepared with a rigorous schedule, traveling to Jaén to lead the squad through a demanding sequence of training sessions without taking a breather this week.
Regularity in the cup as well
According to the coach, cup games form part of the club’s mission. The aim is to build consistency, a pursuit that requires meticulous attention and a willingness to push for deeper changes. Beccacece described the behavior as costly but rewarding, insisting that steady progress hinges on disciplined habits and a shared sense of purpose.
Beccacece was pictured with several players during a morning training session for Elche CF, underscoring the collective focus on the cup.
He also stated that nothing is kept secret. The team remains under constant tension, demanding high intensity and continuous effort. For this match, he suggested that some players may seize the chance to shine, just as movements in European competition have demonstrated in the past. The tie is portrayed as a significant opportunity for those on the fringes to break through and prove themselves to the rest of the squad.
Beccacece acknowledged the possibility of giving younger players minutes. The side has already faced injuries to Guti, Álex Martín, and John, and a decision on the starting eleven is pending. The plan remains to present Elche with a defined style capable of navigating a challenging scenario, as the team looks to match the ambitions of a new coach who sets high targets and expects palpable enthusiasm in return.
Changes to the starting lineup are expected compared with the La Liga squad, though the goalkeeper position is a clear exception. If Edgar Badía is selected to guard the net in the cup, Beccacece expressed confidence in his option and highlighted the pleasure of watching the keeper perform in this competition.
Stay alert
Beccacece described the cup as a magnet for excitement, urging readiness and constant vigilance. The aim is to stay prepared for every scenario, since relaxing at the wrong moment can erode the chances of advancement. The task requires sustained effort, with the recognition that achieving regularity comes at a price in terms of energy and wear and tear. The coach stressed that changing the team’s mentality toward continual effort demands resilience and daily discipline.
Which match should fans be eagerly awaiting?
The Primera RFEF opponent is facing a rough patch, sitting 17th in the league with only three wins and a couple of draws in the last five matches. Yet Beccacece argued that facing a team in a difficult phase presents a real chance to alter their run of results. Physically, Elche is described as being in excellent shape, leading the league in intensity within the second tier, and the squad must translate that energy to Linares.
The coach also reminded the squad that rest is scarce—sleep remains a rare, valuable commodity. The ambition is to keep advancing in the Cup and turn dreams into action, pairing ambition with grounded, practical steps. The message was clear: dream with feet on the ground, always striving for more while staying realistic about the process.
Beccacece was pictured again during a recent training session with members of the squad, illustrating the ongoing commitment to preparation and teamwork.
Positive league results
The coach commented that the positive league performances have reinforced the group’s resilience. The players learned to endure through a difficult period and still deliver their best football. The team has accumulated the most points in League Two since the clash with Andorra, but they are not yet in a playoff position, which underscores the demanding nature of the competition and the need to stay focused at all times.
Elche’s evolution under Beccacece
JA Galvan
Beccacece said the best approach is to take it one match at a time. While the team has shown consistency, resting on laurels would be a mistake. Players are encouraged to continue giving maximum effort, with emphasis on commitment, unity, humility, and a readiness to challenge the status quo. The coach warned that ease and comfort can erode progress, and a steadfast, constant drive is necessary to sustain improvement.