Clerc: “We could have done more in the second half”
Elche CF players praised the energy, motivation, and hard work shown by their new coach, Sebastian Beccacece, within just a few weeks at the helm. As the team grappled with a tight match against Osasuna in the second division, the Argentine manager opted for a defensive approach to safeguard a 0-1 deficit. That strategy drew mixed reactions from the squad, highlighting both the discipline it demanded and the risk of conceding ground in a game they believed they could have controlled more firmly.
Left-back Carlos Clerc acknowledged that the team should have enjoyed more possession after the break and could have pressed higher with more intent. Meanwhile, forward Pere Milla urged the squad to adopt a bolder stance and not retreat into their shell. The call for greater bravery in the second half underscored a broader debate about how Beccacece wants Elche to balance solidity with attacking initiative under his guidance.
In the moments after the whistle, Clerc spoke about the match showing their grit. He noted that Elche tested an Osasuna side known for its strength on the ball, pressing effectively in moments and fighting to defend their lead. He suggested that the decisive throw-in, which ultimately produced a draw, had a clarifying effect on the team’s approach going forward. The remarks were echoed by Pere Milla during a post-match interview, reinforcing the sense that Elche has the talent to compete but must tighten the final phase of games to convert effort into results.
From the Catalan forward’s perspective, the overall performance was solid, yet the team dissolved a bit in the last 20 minutes. He did not hide the belief that Elche should pursue more ambitious lines of play when opportunities arise, rather than retreating behind the ball when pressure mounts. The squad’s assessment reflected a wider sentiment about the early days of Beccacece’s tenure: the players are integrating new concepts and adapting to a different tempo, with the head coach emphasizing intensity, organization, and a willingness to press high at crucial moments.
Beccacece himself has repeatedly stressed that the team is still adapting to his system. He has urged his players to stay compact defensively while maintaining enough forward momentum to threaten opponents. The cast appears to be absorbing the tactical instructions, even as the balance between caution and aggression remains a work in progress. The coach’s defensive adjustments during the second half drew particular attention, with observers noting that the shift reflected a broader strategic philosophy rather than a temporary response to the match situation. The players understand that unity and courage will be essential as they pursue their goals in the league season ahead, and they are gradually implementing the ideas that Beccacece has introduced on the training ground. (Attribution: post-match remarks reported by DAZN and club media.)