Elche CF head coach Francisco Rodriguezz spoke to the press ahead of his first match of the season, scheduled for this Saturday. The Franjiverde outfit is set to travel to Benito Villamarín to face Betis this Monday at 09:30 local time. In the session, the coach assessed the squad’s current state, the transfer market, and potential signings. He confirmed that Álex Collado is close to joining from FC Barcelona, and that another midfielder could join if the right deal materializes. The club is aiming for no more than two new signings.
How does he view the incoming players and the overall squad status?
He is pleased with the market so far. A new right-back profile has been found in Pol Lirola, and Roger Martí brings veteran leadership alongside Carlos Clerc. Collado remains a midfielder they hope to bring in, and while the market has been challenging, there were opportunities they hoped to close that ultimately did not materialize because of the selling clubs or the players choosing elsewhere. Still, the coach is satisfied with what is coming in.
Is there a rush to get players integrated in the squad?
Every coach wants fast integration, but the focus remains on doing things properly. The base from last season has been protected, and a lot of effort went into the pre-season to ensure stability. Injuries and discomfort disrupted periods, yet that is no excuse. Any player who arrives or remains is trusted, and the coach believes they are the best options. The squad is prepared to begin the competition firmly.
Is Álex Collado’s signing a done deal?
The coach would like to say yes, but history has shown similar negotiations can fall through. Collado’s presence in tomorrow’s training would be a positive sign. The key is that he is willing to join the project.
With Roger Martí, Carlos Clerc, Pol Lirola, and Collado, the roster could be stronger than last season.
Collado is not confirmed yet. The coach expects a better squad overall and notes that the team is now more versatile. The aim is to prove their improvement over the course of the season. Last season’s group fought hard and collected the points needed to reach their goal, and there is hope this campaign will mirror that effort.
Is there consideration of bringing in a goalkeeper, or will the number stay with Axel Werner?
The club wanted to assess Axel during the pre-season and even contemplated signing a goalkeeper, but ultimately decided to continue with Edgar Badia, Axel, and the youth team’s Jesús.
Is a left winger still missing from the squad?
Fidel, Tete Morente, and Pere Milla can all operate on the left, and there is no immediate aspiration to replace them. The coach feels comfortable with these options.
What about a defender after Gonzalo Verdú’s injury and Pedro Bigas’s issues?
If an appealing opportunity arises, it will be considered, but it isn’t a priority. Verdú’s surgery is a reality, and his recovery is being monitored. The door remains open, but any move would depend on the right fit.
So how many more reinforcements are on the horizon?
The plan is for one more midfielder and, if Collado joins, that could complete the squad’s core. With two signings, the roster would be considered closed.
How are the injuries in the squad, including Lucas Boyé, Gonzalo Verdú, Pastore, and Raúl Guti?
Boyé is progressing well and should rejoin the group next week. Pastore has completed two training sessions with the squad and is progressing, though he did not take part in the full pre-season as hoped. Verdú is developing steadily, and there is optimism about Guti’s condition. Verdú’s ongoing recovery and Guti’s status will be evaluated over the final two workouts; if a player is not fully fit, travel arrangements will be reconsidered.
The opening match against Betis, a tough test given Betis’ quality, is acknowledged as a real challenge but one the team intends to meet head-on. Betis will bring strong players and a supportive home crowd, but the Elche squad plans to compete fiercely and aim for a positive result.
Is Pol Lirola ready to start?
Lirola has trained through the pre-season and recently played against Olympique de Marseille. It remains a possibility to begin the game, and the decision will be made once the squad’s conditioning is assessed. The priority is ensuring all newcomers are ready to compete at the highest level.
Finally, what message does the coach want to send to the fans and what is the season’s objective?
The goal is clear and shared by everyone. The fans have already shown remarkable support with more than 22,000 season tickets, a huge boost for a club like Elche. The response from supporters at the end of last season was encouraging, and the team hopes to deliver a season worthy of that trust. Elche fans are insightful, and the whole club hopes to enjoy a competitive season together.