Four days was all it took for Francisco to set the alarms, accept the need to scrutinize Elche’s rough start, and map out steps to turn things around. The Franciverde coach held himself and his squad accountable after a heavy loss to Villarreal, and he questioned the timing of the schedule which had limited his ability to rally the troops for the challenge ahead.
“Today we faced a side that outplayed us and showed it on the pitch and in the scoreboard,” Francisco stated. “The calendar isn’t kind, even if excuses aren’t worth it. We couldn’t find the path we wanted to follow.” The Almería native spoke from the Ciutat de València press room, expressing a mix of frustration and determination.
The tone grew more pointed as he compared this year’s performance with the previous season, noting a lapse in the traits that had defined his team. “If there is one thing this squad has, it is character and the will to persevere, and I did not see that today,” he admitted. “We must determine the reasons. I am ultimately responsible and will analyze everything that happened.”
“Every aspect is worrying: the emotion, the goals conceded, the goals scored,” he added. “We earned no more than a point against a side fighting to stay up, and the calendar gives an advantage to teams near the bottom of the table but the dynamic changes when facing direct rivals.” Francisco explained that the schedule had granted their opponents a head start, but the real test arrives in duels with teams in the mix for safety and mid-table positioning.
“The solution is work and time. We faced a tough preparation window. Now, more than ever, it’s time to train with focus. We lacked the discipline that can hurt a young team, and I will strive to protect the unit we were two months ago,” admitted the Elche coach, visibly agitated by the tough work rhythm required in July and August.
Francisco believes the core issue lies in a psychological hurdle, one that can be bridged as new signings blend with existing group dynamics. He insisted that the team must move beyond the current frustration and start delivering for the supporters who remain hopeful and loyal. “We have to give the fans something to cheer for, and we will keep fighting for them.”
Clerc’s impotence
Carlos Clerc, who took Mojica’s place in the Franjiverde starting eleven yesterday, acknowledged that the squad returned home with a sense of helplessness. “We didn’t connect with the game and our attacking play wasn’t sharp,” he said.
While the players attempted to balance the mood, they underscored the need for more active offensive engagement. “Four days aren’t long. Things aren’t lining up the way we want, but we trust every teammate and we are ready to push through it,” he added. The sense of urgency was clear, and the group pledged to channel their energy into sustained improvement rather than dwelling on the setback.