See you soon. A look at Elche and Cádiz through the season
Elche CF faced a tough season that ended with a promotion fight not fully realized and a sense that better days could come with the right leadership. Since the arrival of Argentine coach Sebastian Beccacece, the squad showed promise on the Franciverde bench, even if the initial five matches delivered defeats. When the season reached its closing stretch, the team rallied and finished undefeated in the last five games, leaving players with a sense of unfinished business and motivation for the following campaign.
Beccacece accumulated twelve points from twenty-five across twelve games in the current term, a performance that placed him among several predecessors who also shaped the Elche era. The coaching chapters included figures such as Francisco, Alberto Gallego, Jorge Almirón, Sergio Mantecón, and Pablo Manchín during the final stretch of the schedule, as the team navigated the last twenty-six days with a mix of results and evolving tactics.
With the aim of returning Elche to the top division, the Argentine coach prepared to lead the team in the second division next season. Early results did not go his way, as five consecutive losses followed against strong opponents: Barcelona, Osasuna, Girona, Valencia, and Celta. The mood shifted with a decisive 4-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, followed by a narrow defeat to Almería in the shootout that confirmed the demotion. The side then steadied, notching wins and drawing several tight matches in the run-in, including results against Atlético Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Getafe, Sevilla, and Cadiz in the final weeks.
Elche showed resilience in a season that included positive moments despite the setback. Pablo Machín, the coach who briefly guided the team, collected nine points in twelve games, beating Villarreal and Mallorca and drawing with Cadiz, Osasuna, and Valladolid, while facing losses to Atletico Madrid, Celta, Sevilla, Real Madrid, Espanyol, and Betis. The season closed with a sense that the squad could build on that foundation in the months ahead.
Jorge Almirón, who took charge for a brief period, managed two draws in five games against Valencia and Espanyol, with losses to Real Madrid, Getafe, and Valladolid shaping the mid-season narrative. Francisco Rodríguez started the campaign and was dismissed after collecting a single point from seven rounds, with the team suffering losses in games against notable opponents as the season progressed. The rotation period also saw Alberto Gallego stepping in temporarily, supported by others as the club searched for stability and momentum in the league’s opening phase. A late-season draw against Mallorca underscored moments of balance amid a broader struggle for consistency.
Sergio Mantecón acted as the technical secretary during a transition period, with Machín taking the bench before the final coaching moves settled. The Girona match ended in a narrow defeat, highlighting the fine margins that defined the team’s campaign. As the season concluded, Beccacece reflected on the path taken and the opportunities ahead, noting that the team had to accept the reality of the results while focusing on the prospect of future growth. He expressed a sense of belonging and appreciation for the support from the club and its people, acknowledging that timing and circumstances can influence outcomes in football. The emphasis now is on what has been built and on preparing the squad for the next season, with the objective of earning promotion and restoring Elche to the first division through sustained improvement and competitive spirit.
In short, Elche’s season was a blend of ambition, adjustment, and persistence. The club’s leadership appears committed to laying a solid foundation that can translate into stronger performances and, eventually, a return to top-flight football. The journey continues as Elche looks to capitalize on the lessons learned and to pursue the path to promotion with renewed energy and determination.
Notes: The season featured multiple coaching chapters and a concerted effort to stabilize the squad. Various perspectives from analysts and observers highlighted how management, player development, and tactical adjustments contributed to the overall trajectory, with Beccacece’s tenure representing a pivotal period that could shape the club’s direction in the near future. The statements reflect a pragmatic view of the season, the challenges faced, and the resolve to push forward into the upcoming battles in the division above.
– End of season reflections and forward-looking goals for Elche in the pursuit of promotion and top-tier competition.