Pablo Machine does not lower the plunger and requests a template for the Elche CF setup as the official competitions resume. The club will host Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday, December 20 at 19:00, and then return to La Liga Santander on Thursday, December 29 at 21:30 to face Atlético de Madrid at the Cívitas Metropolitano.
The team concluded a concentration phase last week in Oliva, with the new coach guiding the squad through Sunday and Monday sessions. This week, they returned to work on Tuesday, conducting paired training at the Díez Ibora course within the sports city of Juan Angel Romero.
Intensity and motivation continued to mark the sessions. The squad, which welcomed the new coach after Soriano’s arrival, believes it can overturn the recent slump that left the greens at the bottom of the league with just four points after 14 rounds.
During Tuesday’s morning session, Fidel Chavez was noted as unavailable for the first friendly match last Friday against England’s West Bromwich Albion, considered precautionary. The group dynamics are moving forward, and the Festa d’Elx clash is set for Thursday at 20:15 inside the Martinez Valero stadium, with Leeds United from the Premier League possibly stepping in for a few minutes of play.
Fidel Chavez during training with Josan this Tuesday (photographer: AXEL ALVAREZ).
Several players remaining outside the group dynamics include Enzo Rocos, dealing with Achilles tendon issues and expected to stay out for around three weeks, and Tete Morente, continuing a rehabilitation plan for a fibrillar tear in the hamstring area. The injury occurred in the first-round Cup clash against L’Alcora. Both players will need at least one more week before rejoining group training.
In Tuesday’s study session, Pere Milla and Pedro Bigas joined for a portion of the drills, contributing to the evolving on-pitch strategy. The squad will monitor all players closely as they work toward full participation in upcoming fixtures, with the aim of turning the season around and climbing the table.
Johnny Alamo, the young midfielder who underwent cruciate ligament surgery with meniscal involvement in late June, was seen performing exercises with the group during Tuesday’s session. He has been sidelined for five months and is anticipated to return in January, marking a significant milestone for the squad as they push toward competitive fitness.
Overall, the coaching staff emphasized collective discipline and a refreshed tactical approach, hoping to translate training momentum into results on the field. The team remains focused on rebuilding confidence, improving cohesion, and delivering performances that can reverse the current standings.
Squad members and fans alike are watching closely as Elche prepares for the remaining fixtures of the calendar year, aiming to emerge stronger and more competitive in the weeks ahead. The coaching team continues to tailor sessions to player needs, ensuring a steady progression toward peak form when the matches resume against top-tier opponents. The coming days will be crucial for establishing the right rhythm and building resilience across the squad. ft