Raul Guti spoke after a pre-season match as the team gathered at La Finca Golf Resort in Algorfao before heading to Ibiza. Elche CF faced a 0-1 loss and admitted the display did not meet expectations, a reality acknowledged by the squad in the wake of the friendly in which they were defeated.
The Zaragoza midfielder aimed to deliver an uplifting message to the supporters, addressing the club’s more than 20,000 season-ticket holders through the franjiverde official channels. He stressed that an exciting season lies ahead, marking Elche’s centennial celebration. He urged fans to back the team from the opening fixture and join them at the Martínez Valero stadium “to the end.” [Source: Elche CF official channels]
Guti stressed that the season would be enjoyable and competitive, adding that the squad wants Elche to reach the goals they believe in and deserve. He spoke with confidence about the path ahead and the dedication of the players to deliver a strong campaign for the club and its fans. [Source: Elche CF official channels]
The Spaniard highlighted the midweek training camp at Algorfa as a crucial period for building readiness. He noted that the concentration camp helps accumulate training load and allows the coach to reinforce concepts and ideas, keeping the squad aligned with the plan and expectations for the season. [Source: Elche CF official channels]
Following the camp, the team would take a brief rest before resuming training on Thursday afternoon. The midfielder pointed to the upcoming LaLiga opener on August 15, a 9:30 kick-off at the Benito Villamarín stadium against Betis, as the moment to demonstrate the work done in preseason. He emphasized that more sessions would bring sharper concepts and ideas, and that the team would need more matches to refine its rhythm. Still, the belief was clear: the squad would travel to Sevilla aiming for victory, with a focused, determined mindset. “Rest well and return stronger on Thursday,” he stated, underscoring the collective commitment to improve and perform from the first whistle. [Source: Elche CF official channels]
The midfielder from Zaragoza debuted in the Ibiza match, participating in a midfield pivot alongside Omar Mascarell and Gerard Gumbau while operating a touch higher and linking with the central striker, Ezequiel Ponce. Guti, like the rest of the squad, played with prudence, and opportunities to touch the ball were at a premium as the team tested its structure in the early stages of preseason. [Source: Elche CF official channels]