Coaches are celebrated for stepping away from a fixed plan when they believe the path to success lies in a bold shift, especially when the blueprint centers on controlling games through possession. The Spanish second division is known for fierce competition, where every opponent carries tools that could topple a stronger side on any given day. To remain at the top, a club must be balanced, solid at the back, and effective in attack. This balance was clear in Elche during the 2012-2013 season under Fran Escribá, when they led the table from start to finish. That campaign demonstrated how a well organized unit could sustain consistency from the opening whistle to the final whistle. Likewise, Elche under Pablo Machín in the 2019-2020 season left playoff contention behind, kept clean sheets, and found ways to win at Zaragoza and Girona, proving the value of disciplined defense and precise finishing. Today, eleven rounds into the campaign, Beccacece’s Elche has yet to find the balance required in the silver division. The biggest concern is the absence of a viable Plan B to shift momentum when opponents seize the initiative. The team presses on with determination, trying to implement their footballing idea regardless of the opponent or venue, but rivals have already studied the setup and know how to exploit it.
TAKE RISKS
Begin by building play from the back and initiating attacks from the own goal line. Last Sunday’s clash with Eldense offered further proof. Elche controlled the match, took the initiative, yet seldom threatened the goal. Zubiaurre remained largely untroubled as a result. The Barcelona coaching mind, Fernando Estevez, reflected on the late game adjustments, noting that when Elche pressed to win the ball high, the side found quick counterattacks only after losing numerical balance. This strategic shift underscored how fragile the pressing approach can be when the ball is misplaced. Elche’s journey continues with a focus on midtable resolve and the pursuit of a sustainable approach that can translate control into danger in the final third.
Traveling misfires and tactical shifts
Elche’s effort to reclaim possession near their own goal often falters, with match day conditions sometimes cited as a complicating factor. The coach accepts responsibility for missteps and commends the players who stay faithful to the plan, even as results lag behind expectations. Midfield balance remains a critical issue. Cristian Salvador has not consistently anchored the pivot, while Alex Febas shows ingenuity and ball control but lacks sufficient reinforcement from teammates in defense. The result is a midfield line that can be outnumbered and exposed when the ball moves quickly through wide zones. Fidel, Nico Fernández, and Nico Castro bring attacking flair but are less comfortable defending, and when the team retreats, the transition becomes a struggle. In defense, Mario Gaspar, Pedro Bigas, and Clerc push to fill gaps, yet the back line remains vulnerable when space opens up behind them. One recurring problem is a lack of players rotating into wide positions. The squad’s options at full-back have varied, with certain players adapting roles as needed, while others have struggled to find rhythm. This imbalance contributes to gaps that opponents can exploit during transitions. The team has multiple full-backs who have filled different roles on different days, with some players functioning as wing-backs or even central defenders in varied configurations. The circulating personnel adds complexity but also inconsistency, making it harder to establish a steady recognizable style of play. In a recent derby, the coaching staff appeared distracted by the intensity of the fixture and the effort to maintain the game idea under pressure, highlighting the challenge of translating a tactical plan into consistent performance on the field. Everything is global. The squad has produced few crosses and limited accumulation in the box. When the scoreline narrows, Elche tends to draw opponents into their half and press with crosses and attempts on goal, a tactic common in the second tier but not always successful for this team. With a few exceptions, the Franjiverdes have not deployed two forwards regularly; Beccacece continues to believe in the base idea while considering the need for a flexible Plan B when results stall. The question remains whether a clear alternative is ready to deploy when things do not go as planned.