Carlos Clerc is among the Elche players who have faced the toughest run this season for the club. The Catalan left back has already carried heavy experiences from his time with Levante, where a lengthy winless stretch added pressure. The ordeal was so pronounced that it was described as a curse, a streak of 39 matches without a victory between the Granota squad and Elche. Yet the mood shifted after a 3-1 win over Villarreal six days ago, lifting the weight and easing the tension. Some teammates even joked about confronting ghosts after the victory over the yellow submarine.
Time to win for Clerc and Almirón
David Marin
Clerc spoke at a Thursday press conference, sharing not only team concerns but personal ones as well. He joined teammates in acknowledging the growing role of sport psychology within the squad, a trend that has already touched the club’s standout Tete Morente, who entrusted his own performance to a mental coach last week. The support is becoming a normal aspect of modern football, helping players manage the demands that come with the sport.
Tete Morente: “A psychologist helps me in my performance”
VL Deltel
Clerc described a difficult season, noting that the problems began during his time with Levante and continued after returning from injury. He explained that victories bring joy to players, while losses sting deeply. An injury delayed his ability to reach his best level alongside teammates. Yet in recent matches he has felt healthier and sharper, and he believes he has earned the coach’s trust. He is focused on staying physically sound and, more importantly, on becoming a better version of himself to support the team. There is still room for improvement, he added, and that improvement will help the collective effort.
Clerc acknowledged the long journey through the winless run, recognizing the heavy pressure on everyone involved. Replacing a player like Johan Mojica last season presented a significant challenge for Elche. The mental strain is real, affecting players at home and on the field. Clerc stressed that external factors can weigh on performance, but they can be managed with the right mindset. Seeking help from a psychologist is increasingly common and is helping players see and handle what surrounds them. It is a trend that is gaining normalization across football circles.
Matías Segarra
When Clerc hears talk about long stretches without wins, he chooses to ignore the noise and focus on the facts. He explained that the team had not found consistent results for reasons that are a mix of conditions and timing. Yet he emphasized the importance of stepping back from the chatter and keeping an anecdotal, data-driven perspective. The decision to seek outside help stemmed from the end of last season, during which injuries and form issues plagued the squad. That approach, he said, has made a meaningful difference and provided him with a clearer lens on the present and future. The results have validated this method, and he believes it will continue to pay dividends as the season progresses.
Matías Segarra
Carlos Clerc also highlighted the encouragement he received from teammates and close friends. The support from colleagues at Elche, including longtime ally Edgar Badía, and the familiarity of working with Espanyol teammates over the years, have played a crucial role in his recovery and resilience. Clerc expressed gratitude for the presence of family, noting that having a son has helped him keep perspective during difficult times. He spoke honestly about the balance between football and life, and how shared moments with friends and family have contributed to personal growth and improvement on the pitch.