Christian Bragarnik returned to Elche last week and by the following Saturday he was already in the stands and on the touchline, keeping a close eye on every moment. His presence near the bench and on the field is a constant signal of how invested he is in the club. The moment after the match against Barcelona, his gaze stayed fixed on the action while conversations with the leadership continued. The owner is known for his direct involvement, a hallmark of his hands-on approach to the team’s fortunes. This is a club at a critical juncture, with the fight to stay in the top flight looming large, and Bragarnik is contemplating the path forward for the next season as well. The sense is clear: the Elche project is personal for him, and momentum in the weeks ahead will matter as much as the immediate results.
The owner recognizes the club’s precarious position. Elche is navigating a tense period where relegation looms as a real possibility, and discussions about the squad’s evolution for the next season are already in motion. The emphasis is on stabilizing the project and building from a foundation that can sustain a higher level of competition, even in difficult circumstances.
Argentine investor Bragarnik has chosen Sebastián Beccacece as the coach to lead the team toward a return to the First Division next season. The decision underscores Bragarnik’s confidence in Beccacece and in the structure being put in place to restore Elche’s competitive standing.
Bragarnik does not miss a single detail during training sessions. His presence at the Díez Iborra complex is a regular sight, and he has shown affection for Beccacece during the first weeks of Beccacece’s tenure. The manager’s approach and the coaching staff’s strategy appear to be shaping a clear vision for the squad’s development.
On Tuesday, Bragarnik was sighted watching the squad’s session from the stands at Díez Iborra, accompanied by friends and the club’s technical secretary, Sergio Mantecón. Mantecón is a familiar presence at training, reinforcing the impression of a management team closely aligned with the daily work of the players.
During Tuesday’s practice, nearly the entire squad was in activity, with the lone exception being José Ángel Carmona. The Sevilla youngster suffered a right hamstring injury in the prior match against Barcelona and is expected to be sidelined for at least a month as recovery progresses. The team continues to adapt in his absence, aiming to maintain momentum in the league push.
Carmona’s injured leg
JA Galvanized, the label reflecting Carmona’s early impact, remains part of the team’s broader injury narrative. The injury update has shifted focus onto roster depth and the capacity of other players to step in when needed.
French striker Randy Nteka trained separately from the main group, following a personalized recovery plan for muscle issues reported two weeks earlier. The emphasis is on a careful return to full fitness to avoid setbacks, with a measured progression to match readiness.
Meanwhile, Enzo Roco appears poised for a return. The Chilean defender suffered muscle problems during the match against Valladolid and missed the fixture against Real Sociedad versus Barcelona. Roco has resumed normal group training and is expected to rejoin the squad for the upcoming match against Osasuna at El Sadar. The coaching staff will monitor his reintroduction to competitive action closely.