Elche CF continued its preparations with a second training session of the week aimed at gearing up for the upcoming competition resumption. The team is set to face CD Tenerife at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium on Saturday, January 13, with kickoff scheduled for 18:30 local time. The squad met in the morning for an intensive session designed to sharpen fitness, tactical understanding, and collective coordination ahead of the match. The first 15 minutes of the session were accessible to the media, offering a glimpse into the current mood and approach as the team builds on recent work.”
Elche conducted practice at the morning session at the Díez Iborra field within the Juan Ángel Romero sports complex. The opening segment of the day was observed by press representatives, who were invited to watch the initial quarter of the training before the team continued with a focused program behind closed doors. The coaching staff emphasized ball circulation, pressing intensity, and positional drills to reinforce the high-pressing style the squad has been refining throughout the week. The atmosphere was professional yet purposeful, with players focused on implementing strategic variations that could trouble Tenerife’s defense on the road.
The squad faced three absences during the session: Pedro Bigas, Josan Ferrández, and Fidel Chaves. Each of these players remained in the gym at the Martínez Valero stadium for physical rehabilitation and treatment. The medical and performance staff were attentive to their needs, ensuring appropriate recovery protocols while others carried on with the main drills. Beccacece, the head coach, watched closely as the team navigated the training plan, guiding movements and offering feedback where necessary. The absence of the trio gave other players a chance to take on additional responsibilities and demonstrate readiness for selection in forthcoming fixtures.
The day’s notes highlight the impact of the previous weekend’s events on squad selection. A concussion issue affected a major defender, who experienced back pain during the last 32 rounds match against Girona in the Copa del Rey. The player was stretchered off and replaced in the 64th minute, raising questions about his availability for the Tenerife game. After the match, the coach indicated no lasting injury concerns, and clinical observations suggested a swift, careful return to full training as the week progressed. The optimism within the group remained intact, with the defender expected to be ready for selection if medical staff confirm recovery is complete. The club’s communication emphasized a cautious approach, prioritizing long-term health while pursuing competitive performance on matchday.
In addition to that defender, Josan and Fidel were noted to be dealing with muscle-related discomforts in recent months. As a precaution, they also remained in the gym and participated in lighter conditioning work to prevent any setbacks before the Tenerife clash. The coaching team stressed the importance of maintaining consistency in training while protecting players from aggravating minor injuries, a balance that could determine the match’s outcome as the season progresses.
The club’s new signing Manuel Nieto, loaned from Andorra with an option to buy, joined the session as part of the ongoing integration into the squad. The forward completed the day’s drills alongside teammates and participated in introductory pairing exercises that showcased his movement, pace, and readiness to contribute in attack. The coaching staff will monitor his adaptation as he begins to learn the team’s playbook and language of on-pitch coordination. The arrangement is seen as a meaningful addition to the frontline options as the team navigates a congested calendar.
In another development, goalkeeper Matías Dituro is set to arrive during the winter market window. He is expected to begin training with the squad upon arrival and is anticipated to take part in his first session with the team the following day, as the players prepare for the Tenerife encounter and continue to build squad depth for the remainder of the season. Dituro’s presence adds competition and experience to the goalkeeping department as the squad looks to strengthen its defensive structure during a busy period of fixtures.
Elche closes in on a replacement for Edgar Badia
JA Galvan
Another absence during Tuesday’s session was Adem Boyar, the young striker who has regularly trained with the first team and featured in league and cup matches. Illness kept him away from the on-field work, though the rest of the squad included several other promising youths who trained with the first team. The group used the time to continue polishing cohesion and to integrate players still awaiting full integration into the tactical framework. The absence was managed with a recovery or optional light drills to keep players engaged while respecting health guidelines for the squad’s younger members.
In related news, Rodrigo Mendoza, currently part of the academy who has already appeared with the first team, learned that he has been called up to the Spanish under-19 squad for an upcoming slate of fixtures. Other youth players—Nordin, Pamies, Ali—and goalkeepers Jesús López and Owen Bosch also joined training to keep building depth across positions. These developments highlight Elche’s investment in youth development and the pathway to the first team, underscoring a long-term plan that aligns with broader club objectives for local player progression and national representation.
Spain Under-19 Team adds Elche player Rodrigo Mendoza to its squad
JA Galvan
The Elche squad is scheduled to train again behind closed doors on Wednesday at 10 am, continuing to prepare for upcoming challenges while maintaining a strong emphasis on team cohesion and tactical execution. The club remains focused on ensuring players stay at peak readiness, balancing recovery with competitive intensity as they approach the next league and cup assignments. The training plan prioritizes versatility among players and the ability to adapt to different tactical setups that opponents might deploy later in the season, with an eye toward maintaining momentum and competitiveness through the weeks ahead.