Elche CF coach Sebastian Beccacece spoke to the press before the upcoming match against Osasuna. He highlighted the dedication and appetite shown by his players and said there was plenty he liked from the Barcelona game, despite the painful 0-4 defeat. He noted that the team’s willingness to improve and to experiment was clear, and that he had seen purpose and cohesion during training. He indicated that Mascarell could remain at center-back, pointing to the injuries and the flexibility of the squad. Carmona’s role as pivot was not a random choice; it reflected the belief that the squad could lift its level by adjusting positions in the middle of the field. Beccacece stressed the conviction that the team can elevate its performance in the coming games.
How was the training week?
The squad trained with responsibility, professionalism, and energy. The message was straightforward: celebrate the positives from the Barcelona match, analyze what went wrong, and fix the issues that caused difficulties. There is wide anticipation and strong desire within the group for victories to arrive, driven by a sense of purpose and collective effort.
Are you planning to persist with Carmona at center despite Mascarell’s recent backing and the injury concerns?
At this moment, Carmona cannot be trusted to stay on the field due to injury. Yet the first 50 minutes against a tough opponent offered encouraging signs. Omar performed well in defense, delivering a high-intensity display. The match was demanding, and sustaining eleven players throughout was an achievement given the early setbacks. In the final 15 minutes the team pressed forward in pursuit of a result. The effort was commendable, and the squad stayed unified and cohesive. These are positive indicators, and the coach stressed the need to preserve what is working now while seeking gradual improvement over time.
Can Elche take advantage of Osasuna’s physical fatigue from cup celebrations to push into a cup final?
After Osasuna celebrated joyfully, they may enter a festive mood, which presents both opportunity and risk. Elche sees the Osasuna match as a chance to rebuild confidence and demonstrate growth. The team approaches the game with a clear intention to improve through competition, using these challenges as motivation to advance toward cup contention. The squad is united with strong character and a readiness to seize opportunities on the field.
What is the main area you want the team to improve?
Beccacece emphasized becoming more proactive with the ball rather than solely defending. While组织ed well in organization, ball retention, and marking, the squad should aim to spread play to different zones and play more collectively, echoing the late-game threat seen against Barcelona. The goal is to extend their influence across the field and push for more decisive moments in attack.
Two games to draw more and better results from the new Elche de Beccacece
Was placing Mascarell at center-back a remedy for defensive gaps?
Beccacece clarified that the decision was not a patch but a deliberate option. He explained that Roco did not train with the group all week and Diego González faced some issues. Carmona, Omar, and Pedro Bigas performed well. Clerc contributed as a defender and adapted to more forward-oriented roles as needed. The approach aimed to increase ball circulation and threat, presenting a viable tactical path for the team. He described the setup as a thoughtful option rather than a stopgap measure.
Will there be another tactical variation in Pamplona, or will Raúl Guti or Pape Cheikh be the choices to reconnect Mascarell with the midfield?
Beccacece explained that there is no intention to confuse. The priority is always the collective good. Carmona’s brief appearance in a new role was a learning step that the coach believes can help the team grow. The focus remains on players developing and stepping into what they were not yet used to, rather than chasing a single invention. The coach praised Omar’s work on defense and noted Carmona’s two deployments as signs of growth. The central message is to trust the process and let decisions emerge from what benefits the group as a whole.
How is Raúl Guti positioned within the squad? He was a high-profile signing, and questions have followed his early form. What is the coach seeing from him now?
Beccacece affirmed that Guti is highly motivated and determined to meet expectations. When results lag, it can be tough, but the response is to stay committed and keep improving. The coach emphasized persistence and self-belief, noting that Raul remains on a constructive path, focused on happiness and progress within the team environment.
Additional notes on the team’s direction
Beccacece spoke about the balance between defense and attack, the importance of ball retention, and the need for a more expansive approach across the pitch. He underscored that development is a daily process, and even if the results sting, the overall trajectory should be toward growth and consistency. The team is building a framework that prioritizes collective performance and intelligent experimentation on the field. Comparisons are drawn with top teams that blend versatility in positions, allowing players to adapt and contribute in multiple roles. This philosophy aims to foster a sense of identity that endures beyond a single result. The emphasis is on sustainable progress and a shared hunger for success, with the squad eager to prove its potential in upcoming fixtures.
The press conference left no doubt that Beccacece believes in the process. The squad’s resolve and willingness to learn, coupled with targeted tactical tweaks, could shape a promising path for Elche as the season progresses. The focus remains on cohesion, growth, and the pursuit of better outcomes through intelligent choices and collective effort.