In the first half, Elche CF showed brave, cohesive play, leaving clear signs of last season’s confidence before a dramatic drop in performance. Since Francis arrived, the team has pushed for stability, and the early results helped secure a comfortable path to safety. Yet, these finely-tuned details in the initial match were not enough to topple a straightforward opponent. The Almería coach still has work to do to fine-tune the engine of a squad that should have delivered more than in the previous campaign.
Alex Collado impressed with his performance coming off the bench. The midfielder, on loan from Barcelona, was asked to take on a lead role similar to other new signings. Pol Lirola and Roger Marchí will need to push further, and the return of these three players, joined by Lucas Boyé, could elevate Elche to a higher level of quality.
Francisco and his players must address a few persistent issues, because in this league every opponent, no matter how modest, can cause significant trouble.
DEFENSE
Maintaining disciplined shape and cutting avoidable turnovers were priorities.
Enzo Roco left a strong impression in the opening clash with Betis. The Chilean defender proved reliable against Almería, performing with composure and clean tackles. Beside Peter Bigas, though the latter remains a work in progress, there is a clear need to reinforce the backline with another defender in the near term.
The plan relies on two long-range wingers like Lirola and Mojika, while midfielders Mascarell and Okamora provide coverage. Opponents are aware of these dynamics and will target Elche along the wings. The coach must refine these options to prevent gaps that Almería exploited with quick, precise passing. Goals from set pieces and the frequency of ball losses in midfield also contributed to the visitors’ damage.
MIDFIELD
Clarity and composure in the final pass are essential.
Francisco’s Elche seeks to control possession and dictate the tempo. This was evident at various stages of the clash with Almería. Mascarell, alongside Gumbau and Collado, created width and helped lure the opponent into deep blocks. Still, Elche often lacked patience and calm in the final phase, especially when delivering crosses. The team frequently collided with Almería’s sturdy defense and failed to unlock the necessary spaces to reward their better football.
Quinine Markets entered after the break, showing glimpses of a courageous player capable of delivering a moment of brilliance with a strike from distance. The Portuguese contributor displayed a touch of rebellious flair, suggesting he could become a valuable wildcard when called upon. In his debut, he hinted at what he could contribute beyond a conventional starter’s role.
LEAD
Too much intent, not enough execution
The forward line remains the source of the greatest uncertainty in the opening fixtures. At Benito Villamarín, Elche played most of the match with one eye on a missing partner due to a red card. Against Almería, Francisco relied on two striking options, Roger Martí and Eze Ponce. Both showed ambition and willingness to press, but their opportunities were limited given the circumstances. Valencia, a high-profile signing, and the Argentine, who cost a significant sum, are expected to contribute more in the coming games.
The return of Lucas Boyé after injury brought a few sparks, even if he is not at peak form. Pere Milla’s versatility and grit, plus the sharpness of Tete Morente, should bolster the attack in the near term and aid other forwards when the schedule tightens.
CALENDAR
Upcoming opponents sit near the top of the table
The league has barely begun, and Elche has only earned a point from the first two matches. The schedule now pits Francisco’s side against a string of top contenders: Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, and Barcelona. The squad showed last season that they can compete with anyone, and they must prove it again. The coaches must keep the engine running smoothly so the team does not drift into a precarious position on the table. The next test comes after a difficult loss to Barcelona, followed by a clash with an injured Real Sociedad side.
In the Almería game, Almería’s first-half performance left a lasting impression on Elche with brave, determined football that mirrored the best of last season. The arrival of Francis steadied the team and helped them secure a more permanent foothold, yet more progress was needed to beat a straightforward opponent. The Almería coach has room to sharpen the machine of a squad that could have performed better than last year.
Alex Collado shone during his exit, and his display suggested that he can be part of a leading group along with other new signings. The return of Lirola, Marchí, and Boyé should elevate Elche’s quality quickly. Francisco and his players must fix remaining issues, as in this league no opponent can be underestimated, and even small teams can cause damage with the right approach.
DEFENSE
Steady organization and reduced turnovers remain priorities for a restructured backline.
Enzo Roco, through a strong performance against Betis and a solid showing versus Almería, established himself as a dependable presence at center back. His confidence and clean tackling helped stabilize the defense. The partnership with Bigas, while still developing, underscores the need for additional defensive reinforcement to ensure solidity across the back four.
Elche will continue to rely on Lirola and Mojika as wingers who contribute to the build and provide width. The midfield line of Mascarell, Okre, and Gumbau must manage space better to prevent quick transitions by the opposition. The team must reduce avoidable losses that invite swift counterattacks and continued pressure on the center backs after set plays.
MIDFIELD
Final passes require more accuracy and poise
Francisco’s side seeks to control the tempo, force the opponent into uncomfortable spaces, and create quality chances. The dynamic play from Mascarell, Gumbau, and Collado on the flanks created moments of resistance, but the lack of patient and precise finishing often left the attack wanting. Elche must find a balance between risk and control to maximize their creative opportunities against elite defenses.
Quinine Markets showed flashes of potential with aggressive moves and an eye for goal, suggesting he could contribute more regularly if given time. His debut hinted at a role beyond a coming-off-the-bench option, enriching the squad’s attacking options.
LEAD
Ambition yet imperfect execution
The forward line continues to be a focal point of improvement. In the match at Villamarín, the team squandered a significant chance to seal matters due to a red card. Against Almería, the options were clear but failed to find the decisive moment. Valencia, a notable addition, and Ponce have the potential to influence the offense heavily, yet they need space and service to shine. The squad’s attackers must convert chances into goals more consistently as the season progresses.
Lucas Boyé’s return adds urgency and intent to the attack, while Pere Milla’s versatility and Tete Morente’s resilience offer more pillars up front. Together they should help Elche secure important points as the campaign unfolds.
CALENDAR
Roadmap against top-tier teams
LaLiga has started, and Elche has managed only one point so far. The upcoming slate pits Francisco’s squad against the league’s strongest teams: Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, and Barcelona. The team demonstrated last season that they can stand up to anyone. They must now prove it again, stabilizing the rhythm and continuing to improve with every training session and match. The first real test occurs after a tough setback against Barcelona with an opportunity to rebound against a recovering Real Sociedad squad.