Elche CF conducted a recovery session on Monday led by the club’s fitness coaches Manolo Sempere and Fidel, the goalkeeping coach Miguel Escalona, and analyst Oscar Suarez. The session kicked off a new period of preparations as the team responds to recent changes around the club.
On Tuesday, as had been planned after Machín’s dismissal, Franjiverdes players enjoyed a rest day. They will resume training on Wednesday, while the club and owner Christian Bragarnik continue to determine who should lead the first team through the end of the season.
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HO—the leading candidate at the moment is the head coach of the club’s reserve side, Patricio “Pato” Graf. Graf was among the owner’s tactical bets for the organization’s broader sporting project. December saw Alberto Gallego depart. Initially, Nino arrived as interim coach, but Bragarnik envisioned a more long-term solution, aiming to promote Graf to the first team if Machín’s results did not meet expectations.
Nino steps into the role of second in command for Elche’s affiliate squad, Ilicitano. Graf has delivered notable improvements, guiding Ilicitano away from the relegation zone and pushing toward the promotion playoffs through a strong late-season run. With six points from six matches left two days ago, the team faced a setback after losing 1-0 to Roda, dropping further away from the promotion bracket. With five matches still to play, qualification for the playoffs remains challenging.
The move would allow Graf to leave the subsidiary and assume duties with the first team. A veteran trainer who has spent time coaching at higher levels, Graf is now the strongest contender to replace Machín if results fail to stabilize. The club is watching Graf closely, evaluating his readiness to helm the squad in the top tier.
For the moment, the Argentine coach is overseeing Ilicitano’s recovery training and will continue to assess preparations as Bragarnik weighs the options. The emphasis is on finding a leadership fit who can steer the club through a pivotal phase.
Elche’s board is examining several scenarios as the season progresses. One scenario involves a coach with recent experience leading a squad in the second division who is prepared to train the team for next season. This option is not without hurdles, since attracting a coach with both a strong reputation and promotion potential is increasingly difficult as La Liga Santander’s conclusion approaches. If results worsen, the eventual decision could affect the direction for the next campaign.
There is talk of a third option: an unemployed coach eager to lead the team, willing to bridge the gap and potentially not continue beyond the current season. Graf’s candidacy remains strong, with the club seeking to confirm his credentials and qualifications for Spain’s first division.
The Frangiverde club is eager to decide on its first-team coach within the week, hoping to finalize arrangements that align with its long-term plans and championship ambitions.
Notes from the club’s discussions emphasize that help from Graf would hinge on verifying his documentation and coaching licenses needed to work in the Spanish top flight. The overarching aim is to have a confirmed first-team coach in place as soon as possible, ensuring stability and momentum through the rest of the season and into the next campaign.
End of the week is expected to bring clarity on the coaching choice, with the club looking to solidify leadership and maintain competitive form as the schedule advances.