Elche pivots to a new calendar with a clear objective: forget 2023 and its disappointments in the Franjiverde camp. After relegation threats and a shaky start in League Two, January brings a football reset. The question remains: will the new year lift the team toward brighter times or push it into a tougher stretch that could finally spark improvements in the standings?
A “cock” with many sticks
Elche faces a pivotal January, where the season’s narrative can tilt in multiple directions. The first official match arrives on Three Kings Day, January 6, a single-elimination tie in the Copa del Rey against Girona, a club that has surged to prominence in Spanish and European football. Girona, co-leader in La Liga and a frequent fixture at the top of the table, is coming off a dramatic Christmas period and a tricky run that kept them chasing Real Madrid in the title race. The clash is poised to be a fascinating encounter, with Girona’s dynamic, vertical football offering a stern test for Elche. The Catalan side will also visit the province again this season after advancing past Orihuela in the prior round. Beccacece’s squad will need to bring a compact, fearless game as Girona looks to extend their good form before a potential round of fixtures against Atletico in early January.
In terms of scheduling, if Elche advances, January tightens the calendar further with additional cup rounds: around the 16th (week 17) and quarter-finals (week 24), both single-leg ties to be played at the Martínez Valero stadium. The pressure is higher, but the opportunity to make a mark in the cup remains real and tangible.
Cup
The league conversation will resume with Elche traveling to Istanbul on the 13th for a midweek clash against Tenerife, after finishing the first half of the campaign in a discreet twelfth position. The upcoming fixtures stack a challenging run: a home match against Valladolid on the 21st, then a cross-border trip to Andorra on the 28th, with no fixed kickoff times announced yet. The schedule pits the Canaries and the pucelanos above in the standings, while Andorra poses a distinctly stubborn style that is often difficult to break down.
According to artificial intelligence, Elche returns to work with one goal: 42 points
The broader January plan also includes strategic market activity. As the transfer window opens on the 1st and closes at the end of January, Elche’s management will explore options that respect the club’s salary margins while addressing needs from the first half of the season. The focus is on strengthening depth and delivering immediate impact without upsetting long-term financial balance.
signatures
Another emphasis for Elche in January is the transfer market, which will run through the month. The Franjiverdes aim to add players who can contribute right away while keeping the payroll sustainable, a balance that becomes crucial as the season progresses.
The leadership of the club continues to assess options to bolster the squad, including opportunities to reinforce key positions. The aim is to field a competitive team that can withstand the winter schedule, sustain momentum, and push toward the required points target for safety and growth.
As the market moves, potential exits and signings will be weighed. Several players have drawn interest from other clubs, while internal development and minutes played will influence decisions. The focus remains on building a squad capable of delivering consistent performances across all competitions.