Elche CF finds itself under pressure ahead of a pivotal match against Mallorca. The club needs a win to climb out of the relegation zone, and the decision-making around the coaching position is at the forefront of the discussions. In the wings, the club’s technical staff is prepared to step up if a quick fix becomes necessary, with the focus firmly on stability and performance on the pitch.
Christian Bragarnik, the principal owner, continues to hold off on finalizing the new coach. He has not yet settled on the best available option among several candidates and is deliberately taking time to evaluate each possibility. The strategy mirrors past approaches where careful deliberation preceded a formal appointment.
As has happened before, two homegrown technicians are being considered to guide the team in the interim. The recent track record suggests that, before a new first-team coach arrives, the club may lean on internal figures to maintain continuity. Gallego and Nino, working alongside Dani Llácer from the subsidiary, could lead the squad during this transitional phase, especially for the upcoming match at Mallorca.
There is a sense that a similar sequence of events could unfold again. Elche’s schedule included a prior Monday game, with Francisco’s Sunday plan outlining the approach. Ultimately, a decision to lead the team could be made by Tuesday, depending on how the weekend assessments unfold.
Bragarnik is expected to finalize the choice over the weekend, with the new first-team coach likely to begin training on Tuesday. The owner and his partner have gathered extensive feedback from discussions with several coaches, including contract terms and training observations, to inform the closing stages of the decision process. The moment of truth will be marked by an official announcement and the subsequent “white smoke” moment that signals a chosen path.
Among the primary candidates, Javi Calleja, Sebastian Beccacece, Paco López, and Vincent Moren are considered, with Moren’s potential return to the Spanish league after his spell in Saudi Arabia noted. Bragarnik holds the final word, aiming to resolve the matter in a manner consistent with how the previous season ended with Francisco’s appointment.
Despite Beccacece’s limited experience in Spanish and European football, his candidacy remains in play. Vicente Moreno’s situation is viewed as complex due to a substantial contract with Al-Shabab. Paco López, while still in contention, has been facing diminishing influence recently. If a Spanish coach is chosen, Javi Calleja could emerge as the preferred option. The decision rests entirely with Bragarnik, and fans will have to wait for the weekend update.
Meanwhile, Alberto Gallego and Nino have led three training sessions, preparing for the forthcoming meeting as if Elche’s fate depends on their work. They have crafted training plans that focus on minutes, player injuries, motivation, and morale, with a priority on restoring confidence within the squad. Nino’s recent involvement in the locker room adds a layer of familiarity that could prove valuable for Elche’s attacking approach, while other players like Lucas Boy ensure the team’s threats are understood and utilized effectively.
Gonzalo Verdu and Josan share a similar history with Nino from previous campaigns in lower divisions, reinforcing the idea that trusted relationships within the squad help stabilize performance. Assistant coaches are coordinating closely with the first team and the Illicitano side, balancing responsibilities and ensuring a unified message across groups. The plan is to share responsibilities when needed, with Gallego and Nino shouldering primary duties for the first team ahead of the Mallorca trip.
As Sunday’s session closes, the final preparation will be aligned with the tactical needs for the Mallorca match on Monday morning. The coaching staff will travel to Majorca together, carrying the sense that every detail matters in this high-stakes moment for Elche and its fans.
In this moment of transition, the club emphasizes cohesion, motivation, and a steady hand to guide the squad toward better results. The coming days will reveal whether internal leadership suffices until a new appointment is announced or if the search for the optimal long-term coach accelerates in response to eventful results on the field.