coach Elche CF, sebastian beccacece spoke to the press before the upcoming match on Friday. On Sunday, at Martínez Valero, Elche faced Valencia CF. Beyond discussing the game, the Argentine manager addressed questions about the team’s situation and its future.
How does the squad feel after losing their first three matches?
They arrived aiming to keep growing in performance. The team has a clear plan in its play. It is not easy to evaluate football quality, yet signs show the approach is taking shape. Substitutions have increased ball possession, the team presses higher on the field, and there are fewer goals conceded at home. They assume a leading role and continuously pursue results. There is room to endure and the work continues to shape what comes next. The decision to stay with the club this June, and now to begin this phase early, was made with the belief that this time can seed and build the future. The focus is on what is desired, not what is left of the season. Optimism remains, and credibility is present. It is visible to me that Elche is competitive, committed, and determined to be more than their opponents.
Are you worried that long-time supporters might feel discouraged by seeing the team stumble toward a self-inflicted trough?
This is a crucial point. Fans bring a football sensibility and can see when the team gives its all beyond the scoreline. The supporters showed maturity and continued to encourage the players. A broad social maturity exists among them. The current situation hurts, but the road ahead can still be enjoyed. Each game should feel like a celebration and should reveal a team that understands its purpose. Reality may not match the ideal, yet fans perceive a deep commitment even in hardship. They supported the club for three strong years and remain deeply connected, even as challenges intensify.
For a winner, might it bother you to lose frequently?
The coach is energized by the players’ response. Winning and losing are both relative when the team competes bravely and executes a plan. The best athletes across disciplines have faced more losses than wins. Maintaining belief is essential because that is the essence of lasting success. Despite setbacks, the work continues. Complaints and excuses serve no purpose. Efforts are directed at elevating Elche to the levels it deserves. The coach knows his origins and has always aimed to transform, reinvent, and grow through adversity. Success is fleeting, but daily work matters. Right now the focus is to help the club improve when times are tough.
Afraid of slipping into a negative spiral after so many defeats?
Borders and fears must be crossed. The emphasis remains on consistent work and steady progress. The team strives to improve as a unit, and optimism remains if the trend continues.
How can the team prevent disintegration under pressure, and should the coach take on a psychologist’s role?
The squad competes with mental resilience for big moments. Preparation means staying psychologically strong when the team is hit or misses. The approach combines empathy, patience, and high standards. The coach acts from the heart, keeps the group connected to Elche at every turn, and provides tools to reinforce the team spirit. In difficult times, the natural urge might be to crumble, but the goal is to protect the collective, even in hardship.
Has the absences of Carmona, Helibelton Palacios, Gumbau, and Ponce disrupted plans?
These are meaningful losses. Helibelton brings speed, Carmona presence, and Gumbau intelligence. Still, the squad must adapt. The focus remains on a collective concept and a game plan that extends beyond any individual. Players like Gonzalo Verdú, Diego González, Magallán and Roco have earned trust. Some may have less playing time at moments, yet every member must be ready when called on. It is all part of Elche’s fabric.
Is Mascarell likely to continue as a central defender?
Omar’s versatility in distribution and speed across large areas, combined with his passing ability against opponents, suits the defensive setup well alongside Pedro Bigas. It is a natural progression that will continue as long as performance stays high.
What might Verdú, Roco, Diego, or Magallán be thinking about next season?
Squads typically include 24–26 players, with some getting more minutes than others. The goal is professionalism and unity, and such topics are discussed behind closed doors. The dressing room remains focused on maintaining mental strength and showing determination when it is their turn to play. Those who play more and those who play less are all part of the same team. Position-based work is the guiding principle for everyone at Elche.
In the last match, players like Lirola and Álex Collado—both on loan—were given chances. Will opportunities for such players continue?
Gifts for future development are valued. Every opportunity should be seized. Contract status does not erase potential. Discussions will come after the season ends. Each game is an opportunity to prove oneself. Only a dozen players are on the roster, so decisions are made based on current needs and performance. Each match is treated according to individual merit.
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Do you plan to give younger players a chance?
John is with the squad and is being developed, though his path includes additional work.
Do Josan or Raúl Guti have options to play?
Raúl began in Girona and offered a solid first half. His replacement came when the team faced pressure and sought a more cohesive option with sharper through passes in the final third. Álex Collado came on for that reason. Josan can operate on the wing, but his natural role is higher on the field. The team will adapt based on the opponent and the game plan.
Valencia arrives riding momentum. Could this be the moment to claim the first win?
Every match is a new chance. Focusing on a poor run of results can mislead. Both teams need victory and the encounter will be shaped by that shared need. The emphasis remains on continued improvement. If anxiety takes over, the style of play envisioned may be hard to convey. Focusing on the game plan brings them closer to success.
Elche and Valencia share cordial ties. Valencia helped Elche secure permanent status in a tense finale years ago. Is there a sense of obligation to reciprocate?
The manager recalls the story and respects the professionalism on display. Staying extremely professional in the matches ahead is essential for both Valencia and Elche. Calm focus and commitment are the order of the day as the team aims to play with intensity and deliver every drop of effort to win.
In the first-round clash at Mestalla, a Nico Fernández goal was ruled offside. Could that add extra motivation for this game to show an injustice was not to prevail?
The coach watched that game. Referee calls are part of football and opinions differ. The strongest motivation comes from defending the club and honoring the trust of their 24,000 supporters who could not secure tickets for financial reasons. Their support remains a powerful incentive to compete at the highest level.