At the outset of the season, almost every Elche CF player has fallen short of expectations. Only goalkeeper Edgar Badia has stood out in a positive way, producing crucial saves and stopping important chances. He saved a penalty against Real Sociedad and prevented significant goals, keeping the team hopeful despite a leaky defense.
One player remains under intense criticism from fans: Enzo Roco. The Chilean center back has not lived up to his past performances and has drawn comparisons to a player not fully present. His form is a setback for a defender who brings international experience. In the first five league games, he started at the back, but in two matches against Betis and Athletic Club, he was substituted at halftime.
In the season opener at Benito Villamarín, Roco was challenged by a difficult sequence that exposed gaps in Elche’s defense. The home side pressured hard, and Roco found himself unable to clear a critical moment as Betis applied pressure. Fekir created problems from that moment, contributing to a goal that set a tough tone for the match.
Coach Francisco Francisco did not hesitate to replace Roco at halftime with Diego González. The coaching staff later suggested that such errors are unacceptable in top-flight football. The team needed reassurance on the defensive line, and the manager urged Roco to regain his form as a key piece of the back line.
Roco did show improvement in the following game against Almería, where he played with more authority and aggression. His renewed confidence helped him reclaim some of the credibility he had lost, signaling a possible return to solid form.
The path remained uneven in subsequent fixtures against Real Sociedad and Villarreal, where results were not favorable and perceptions of the defense remained cautious. Nevertheless, Roco appeared again in the lineup against Athletic Bilbao, where a controversial decision arose. He earned a late call to the field, but a needless foul on Nico Williams resulted in a lead for Bilbao. A subsequent error allowed Berenguer to extend the advantage, making it 3-0. The halftime substitution by the coaching staff was met with a strong reaction from the crowd, signaling discontent with Roco’s performance.
Fans have criticized these recurring mistakes as signs of insufficient focus and intensity. The Chilean defender also faces pressure on the international stage if his club form does not improve. The coaching staff, however, remains supportive of him first and will continue to rely on him while searching for improved balance in defense.
Gonzalo Verdú and Fede Fernández have emerged as central figures in the team’s defensive efforts. Verdú, the captain, has consistently shown determination and resilience, maintaining pace with the competition and providing leadership at the back. His steadiness is vital as Elche looks to tighten the defense in upcoming fixtures.
On the other hand, Argentine defender Fede Fernández, one of the two signing options alongside Nico Fernández Mercau, is expected to contribute more depth and experience to the center of defense. Their presence adds required depth and leadership as the team builds a more robust stability at the back.
With Verdú and Fernándeza in the lineup, Roco faces a more uncertain future regarding his position. The coaching staff is balancing opportunities for youth and experience while trying to protect the integrity of the defensive unit.
Diego González was moved to a sixth centre-back role in recent selections, a shift that reflected the coach’s preference for a younger, more energetic quartet in the back. In the latest tactical decisions, González has struggled to secure a guaranteed place given the competition for central roles and the need for reliable performances. The club has emphasized prioritizing the development of younger players while maintaining defensive stability.
Elche must stem the bleeding in goals conceded and rectify defensive lapses. The coaching staff is focused on consolidating the back line through Verdú and Fernández while encouraging Roco to recapture his earlier level. The aim is to find a dependable defensive balance that can withstand the demands of the league and support the team’s attacking efforts.
The series of matches has underscored the need for solidity at the back, with the team seeking to rebuild confidence among the defenders and prove their capability to compete at the highest level. The club remains committed to maximizing each player’s contribution and sharpening the collective defensive structure to reduce errors in future games.
As the season progresses, Elche will continue to evaluate lineup choices, ensuring that the best available defenders anchor the team. The focus remains on building a resilient defensive line that can support the attack and deliver results in a challenging campaign.
Gonzalo Verdú and Fede Fernández are central to this renewed defensive effort. Verdú’s leadership and consistency, alongside Fernández’s experience, should help stabilize the back line and permit Roco to regain form under improved conditions. With Verdú and Fernández in the mix, Roco faces a turning point in his Elche career. The coaching staff will closely monitor his development and adjust plans accordingly to sustain competitive performances in the league.
In the latest assessment, Diego González has been reduced to a sixth centre-back role, with John Chetauya and other younger players gaining minutes in varying circumstances. The management believes this approach offers opportunities for development while maintaining defensive resilience, even as it reshapes the central-defender lineup. The aim remains clear: maximize collective effort and ensure consistent performances across all positions.
Overall, Elche faces a critical phase where the defense must tighten, concentrate, and execute under pressure. The team will rely on Verdú and Fernández to provide stability, with Roco and emerging players working to reclaim form and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive unit. The season demands focus, discipline, and disciplined defending to secure results and restore confidence among fans and the broader football community. [Citation: Club reports and match analyses]