Elche CF faced a shift in its early plans as Francisco explored the possibility of signing a new centre-back to reinforce the team’s defensive structure. The aim is to bolster the backline and bring added solidity to the squad ahead of the new season.
Gonzalo Verdú required surgery to address persistent discomfort in his adductor, a condition that sidelined him for a significant period. The Cartagena defender will be out for more than two months and will need a further phase of physical adaptation after he is discharged before he can participate in official matches again.
Pedro Bigas also paused his training cadence last week due to muscle discomfort. The Mallorcan defender has battled frequent physical issues in recent seasons, including spells with Eibar and Elche, which have led to him missing a substantial number of games.
This situation has left Enzo Roco and Diego González as the only seasoned central defenders available on the roster. Young prospect John Chetauya has stepped into that role in the past, but Francisco informed the club owner that changes were necessary, having already replaced him in the most recent friendly against Ibiza by bringing in Omar Mascarell in the center of defense. Christian Bragnik and technical secretary Sergio Mantecon are part of the broader strategy surrounding these decisions.
The Franjiverde coach began the pre-season with a three-man defensive setup and has expressed a preference for deploying that system again this season, a style he has used in prior spells at Girona. Yet the plan was impeded by a shortage of central defenders, compelling the team to adopt a four-man backline with two centre-backs and two full-backs to ensure balance on the flanks and cover on the inside lanes.
Josema Sanchez is another option who can operate along the defensive boundary. He featured in the second outing against Ibiza to avoid excessive minutes for Enzo Roco and to balance playing time across the squad.
Meanwhile, the club continues to assess options as the market window progresses. The possibility remains that the team could pursue reinforcements on loan, following a path similar to last winter’s dealings with a club in another division. Valladolid has been floated as a potential destination for a temporary arrangement should opportunities arise.
Nevertheless, it is still on the table that Francisco might decide to retain certain players if suitable defensive cover cannot be secured before the close of the transfer window. The coaching staff remains mindful of the need to strengthen the central defense with a player who brings experience and leadership, improving the team’s defensive discipline and offering the flexibility to use multiple central-back formations.
Throughout pre-season play, questions lingered about the solidity of the defense and whether the line could be trusted to perform consistently. Francisco has acknowledged these concerns and is actively addressing shortcomings with a careful, methodical approach, emphasizing improved organization and anticipation from the back line.
In a recent pre-season match against Betis, the situation remained delicate with only Enzo Roco and Diego González currently secure in central positions, should Pedro Bigas not recover in time. The coaching staff will monitor fitness closely and make strategic calls as the squad nears the end of the transfer period, aiming to finalize a defensive configuration that provides depth and resilience for the campaign ahead. The overall objective is to deliver a robust central backbone, enabling the team to implement three-man defensive systems when needed and to adapt swiftly to opponents’ tactics.
As the market persists until September 1, Bragarnik and Mantecón are actively pursuing available options, seeking a veteran presence in central defense who can elevate the collective standard and contribute to a more authoritative defensive unit. This approach seeks to provide the Almeria coach with additional choices, enhancing tactical versatility and improving overall defensive performance across the season.
What has become clear is that the defensive plan evolved during the pre-season as the coaching staff acknowledged gaps and adjusted priorities accordingly. The emphasis now rests on acquiring experienced, high-quality central defenders to stabilize the spine of the team and deliver a reliable platform for the rest of the squad to build from. The club remains committed to strengthening this area and delivering depth that supports multiple strategic formations as the campaign approaches.