Elche’s head coach Francisco Rodríguez reflected on the match, acknowledging Real Sociedad’s dominance in the opening period while attributing the decisive consequences to a couple of missteps that allowed two goals for Franjiverde. He expressed confidence that his squad could respond and move forward, noting that three weeks earlier the situation looked far more uncertain, yet now there is a resilient belief that reversal is possible.
Rodríguez praised Real Sociedad for their first-half performance, saying that Elche failed to match that intensity and that facing such opponents fuels frustration. He observed that the team responded in the second half with different tactics, switching to more width through the flanks and delivering crosses that pushed the adversary back toward their own territory with five defenders stationed centrally. He stressed that the errors behind those goals were costly and unacceptable, pointing to three consecutive painful defeats as the harsh price being paid for those lapses.
The coach from Almería explained how the balance shifted after the initial advantage was established, highlighting players Silva, Rafinha, and Merino as pivotal figures in turning momentum against them. He described the opening goal as a result of a mistake that Elche could not afford to repeat at the start, emphasizing that Real Sociedad possess a relentless ability to pin opponents in their own zone due to their high level of play and sustained pressure.
On the injury to Guido Carrillo, Rodríguez conveyed a cautious optimism, mentioning that the player reported no lingering calf issue after the knock. He added that injuries and sanctions can appear at difficult moments, but teams must meet them with courage and continued fight. With four points separating Elche from relegation, the coach urged his squad to confront the coming week with enthusiasm, acknowledging the rough patch but insisting that persistence can yield results.
Regarding refereeing and the use of VAR, Rodríguez avoided deflecting blame toward officials for the scoreline. He stated that no excuses would be made and that the focus would remain on coaching and effort. He stressed the need for the players to seize opportunities themselves through sacrifice and hard work, noting that while the evening did not end in victory, there was value in the team’s second-half display. He expressed belief in the squad and urged supporters to remain confident in the players to secure the remaining seven or eight points needed for survival through perseverance and dedication.
In closing, Rodríguez reaffirmed his confidence in the squad’s ability to reach the objective of staying in the top flight. He described each day as a new chance to improve, praising the players for their work ethic and commitment since his arrival. He acknowledged the season’s tense stage but asserted unwavering trust in the group and its collective capacity to grind through the remaining fixtures and secure the necessary results to preserve Elche’s status in the league, while maintaining a steady, stubborn belief in their path forward.