Elche CF’s head coach, Sebastián Beccacece, had a demanding day in Madrid this Tuesday. He started with an early morning trip to the Spanish capital, accompanied by first team delegate Juan Sánchez Niñoles and analyst Anton Clares, to attend a meeting organized by the First and Second Division coaches within the Referee Committee of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
The session brought together coaches and technical staff from major clubs, including Real Madrid, represented by Carlo Ancelotti, FC Barcelona with Xavi Hernández, and Atlético de Madrid, among others. The discussions touched on several topics that have stirred debate in recent seasons, such as the interpretation of the rules of the game, penalties, handball regulations, and offside positions. Attendees exchanged perspectives and offered proposals aimed at improving the dialogue between referees and coaches during matches. These annual meetings usually coincide with a league-wide break that enables most technicians to participate, and they provide a platform to reflect on the practical aspects of officiating in real-time competition.
Several observations emerged during the gathering. Some coaches expressed optimism about possible improvements, while others voiced frustration. Ancelotti, for instance, left the meeting early and voiced his discontent, describing the situation as confusing and suggesting that coaching staff feel their viewpoints are not fully understood or acknowledged within the discussion framework.
Following the conclusion of the meeting at the RFEF headquarters in Las Rozas, Beccacece promptly returned to Elche. A planned training session would be held behind closed doors at the Martínez Valero stadium at six in the evening, indicating a strategic shift to keep the squad fresh after a day filled with travel and dialogue. This change allowed players to enjoy more than a full day of rest since the previous session occurred on Monday morning, providing a gap that could be crucial as the team prepares for a pivotal stretch of fixtures ahead.
Elche focalizes its resources for a decisive matchup against Espanyol
Beccacece and the squad have begun tailoring their preparations for a crucial battle against Espanyol scheduled for Saturday at 21:00, set to take place at the RCDE Stadium in Cornellà-El Prat. The current standings place Espanyol just two points ahead of Elche, making this clash particularly meaningful in the chase for promotion play-off spots. A victory for Elche would not only close the gap but potentially overtake their opponents and shift momentum in the standings. The upcoming game carries significant implications for both teams as they navigate the final phase of the campaign, where every point counts and strategic choices on the field can tipping the balance toward the playoffs or a more comfortable mid-table finish.
The club remains focused on a disciplined game plan that leverages the strengths of its players, emphasizes compact defending, and seeks to exploit transitional moments using quick ball circulation. Beccacece has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus across the full 90 minutes, recognizing that the intensity of a late-season schedule often tests both stamina and tactical clarity. The coaching staff is keenly aware that even marginal gains in areas such as set-piece organization, pressing intensity, and offensive timing can alter the outcome in a fixture of this magnitude.