This is a difficult stretch for Elche CF as the club endures one of its tougher periods in recent memory. After securing promotion and enjoying two consecutive seasons in the top tier, the centennial campaign has started with a heavy blemish. The team has collected just twelve points from the opening four fixtures, and the recent comprehensive defeat against Athletic Club Bilbao has weighed on the mood of the supporters. A sense of disappointment lingers among the fanbase, who continue to show their passion but struggle to find reasons for optimism in the results arriving from the pitch.
Jose Fernandez stands out as one of the more seasoned figures within the squad. The veteran from Crevillent arrived in Segunda B earlier in his career and has forged a solid path over the last five years. Whether the team can recover from this rocky start remains a question, and in the match against Athletic Club, Fernandez stepped off the bench in the 65th minute as Pol Lirola headed back into the action. His presence involved getting forward, delivering several crosses into dangerous zones and offering a spark that had been lacking on the day.
Josan does not shy away from the current challenges and has spoken through the club’s official channels. He reminded supporters that the campaign is still in its early days, with only five rounds completed, and urged a rapid shift in momentum. The message was clear: there is an imperative to change the dynamics quickly and decisively.
The Crevillent native remains confident that Elche will respond and press forward. He emphasized that the squad has a history of hard work and resilience, noting that the players never give up and always keep fighting and training with intensity. The message to the squad and the fans is to maintain focus, look ahead, and push harder to drive results in the coming weeks.
Ezekiel Ponce is another figure who has stepped forward during this difficult period. The Argentine striker contributed to the scoreboard against Athletic Club, netting a decisive goal that showed the team can create chances and threaten opponents. Ponce expressed sincere gratitude for the unwavering support from the fans and for the many people who traveled to Martínez Valero to cheer the team on. He committed to continuing the work alongside his teammates to turn the situation around. Ponce stated that he will be among the leaders of the effort to deliver better performances, improve the level of football on display, and guide Elche toward stronger results as the season progresses. In formal statements issued through the club’s communications channels, he pledged sustained effort and a belief that good things lie ahead for the squad.