Elche CF has faced a sequence of challenges since the season began. The club wants to establish a solid plan early, aligning tactics and squad depth to support a demanding schedule. The approach centers on three central defenders and two wide players, a system the team has long discussed adopting, and which the coaching staff has been testing on the bench during pre-season.
In recent friendlies, the squad showed promising signs, but injuries have complicated the build. The manager noted the need for reinforcements, particularly on the defensive axis, after Fede Fernández left the squad. The team is weighing signings to shore up the backline and maintain competitive balance as the calendar progresses.
Machín: “We must sign as soon as possible to cover the two casualties”
Machín has been analyzing the roster and exploring options to replace the two injured players. He has faced difficulties integrating some squad members into the central-back role, with versatile defenders showing capacity to adapt but needing more time to settle on a preferred pairing.
Several players have been tried in central positions, including fullbacks who are comfortable stepping into defense when required. While the adjustments have been uneven, the coaching staff remains confident in the players’ ability to adapt as the team fine-tunes its defensive structure.
During the latest gathering, the situation looked tougher. One player received limited minutes due to the lingering injury, complicating preparations for upcoming fixtures. The team continues to monitor the recovery timeline closely as the winter window approaches.
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Machín confronts a recurring challenge at the heart of his plans: strengthening the center of defense. Verdú and Bigas have been the mainstay options available for central duties, with other players stepping in as needed. The coaching staff is weighing each option to avoid overloading any one defender while maintaining solidity at the back.
Should Helibelton Palacios and Clerc fit into central roles, the squad would have a quartet of defenders with experience in that position. The coach would then decide how three central defenders can be deployed across different halves of matches, keeping options open for rotational needs.
The club’s technical secretary has emphasized the necessity of combining several defensive setups. Given Elche’s current status, the transfer market is tight, and the window may move slowly. Club representatives prefer not to rush and await the proper opportunities when the market reopens in January, with the World Cup delaying moves until its conclusion.
World Cup postpones Elche’s transfer
Meanwhile, Machín hopes the squad can hold steady through the congested period. Diego González remains unavailable with a knee issue, while teammates are preparing and waiting for matches that could hinge on timing. A plan to bring him back in time for upcoming friendlies is in motion, with a schedule that includes matches behind closed doors at the Martínez Valero stadium.
Elche is set to play two friendly matches on the same day as part of the evaluation process. If the plan succeeds, some minutes will be allotted to different players to test endurance and compatibility before competitive action resumes.
Elche will play two friendly matches in one day
If the arrangement works, Diego González could feature for under 45 minutes in the first match, allowing for a controlled workload. This setup is viewed as a temporary measure rather than a long-term fix for the squad’s depth concerns.
Diego González was pictured during a practice session, illustrating the ongoing efforts to regain sharpness and fitness. The image captures the focus behind the scenes as the squad progresses toward a more stable defensive configuration.
Roco has also faced a recent spell on the sidelines with an Achilles issue. He has started some group work but remains unavailable for full involvement in upcoming fixtures. The situation adds to the club’s broader challenge of balancing squad depth and form as the winter window approaches.
Both Chile and Cadiz sit on the list of potential departures as the season unfolds. Performance in the first half did not meet expectations, prompting careful assessment of future roles for these players. The coaching staff plans to observe live performances before deciding on long-term moves.
Machín intends to assess players on the field before finalizing any decisions. Ongoing injuries have constrained opportunities, and those constraints continue to influence strategic thinking as the season advances.
Enzo Roco, seen in training, remains a focal point of discussions about defensive depth. The back line needs stability, and the club is exploring options to avoid overextending any single defender while maintaining a balanced lineup across friendlies and competitive fixtures.
With the current central-defender situation, Elche will lean on Verdú, Bigas, Palacios, and Clerc in rotations, while considering lightweight options for additional cover. The aim is to preserve energy across the backline and ensure readiness for the resumption of official action. Transfers will not be possible until January, which adds urgency to the club’s planning for the second half of the season.