Elche’s Machín era begins with a lean squad and a tough test

Two losses, Pastore and Fede, four injuries, John, Josan, Nico and Lirola, and a yellow-card suspension for Gumbau shape the start of Machín’s era as Elche, under the new coach, begins a fresh chapter in the league. The squad faces a tough test with seven first-team players unavailable, and the match against Atletico de Madrid is set for Thursday at 21:30 at the Cívitas Metropolitano.

Machín reviews the squad for this Thursday’s game against Atlético de Madrid

coach system

To keep his favored 1-5-3-2 formation intact, Machín must navigate the disruption and still maintain a solid defensive structure. The team has shown resilience, conceding twenty goals in five matches and keeping four clean sheets, while sharpening its offensive intent, though most recent opponents have been from lower divisions. The question remains how gaps will be filled. An open training session yesterday offered a glimpse, but the coach limited access to a brief fifteen minutes. Players warmed up as the press waited for strategy, yet Machín chose not to reveal plans to the opposition. The starting XI will adapt to the moment, constrained by limited options.

Pol Lirola is already on the grass with Rodri and Nico

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One option is to return Helibelton Palacios to his natural right-back duties, a role he has sometimes filled under Machín. At present, there is no other clear right-back fit besides the Colombian. With Josan and Lirola sidelined by injuries, Morente has been explored as a secondary option in previous fixtures. Collado could also take the position, though that seems unlikely. In the domestic cup, when Crevillentino fell to Guadalajara, Morente was used to balance the defense and the attack. The winger from La Línea de la Concepción could contribute defensively but would be a secondary choice.

Elche team returns to training to face a tough schedule

Palacios appears favored in the squad. Machín has recalled Enzo Roco and Diego González to reinforce the back line, joining Verdú and Bigas, who seem set to start. Four players for three positions head into a demanding stretch. On the left, Clerc is a strong candidate. Nico remains out, and Lautaro Blanco cannot be registered in La Liga until January. The group trained, but records remain unsettled as the medical and administrative processes continue.

another absence

The midfield setback comes with a fifth yellow card for Gerard Gumbau, leading to a one-match ban. Omar Mascarell is expected to play a central role for the French-green coach, likely alongside Raúl Guti and either Álex Collado or Fidel, who is regaining form after injuries. Machín has consistently deployed a forward pairing of Lucas Boyé and Roger Martí, though Pere Milla remains a candidate to miss the starting XI, which could push Torrent’s forward into the mix.

Lirola returns to the lawn

Morning training at the Díez Iborra facility brought hopeful news. Pol Lirola was back on the grass and touching the ball, alongside Rodri Mendoza, who also returned from a serious injury. Both were cleared to train with the squad and placed under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.

Nico

Argentina’s Nico Fernández Mercau joined the session on the turf, though he remained on the sidelines with a cast on his right hand from a wrist fracture. Only John Chetauya (fibula fracture) and Josan (adductor fracture) were absent that day. Four reserve players participated in a tactical scrimmage, with Juanpe, Carles, Alfaro and Cocca forming the group. The situation remains tense for the coach, as seven injuries and suspensions create real defensive and midfield challenges. Supporters hope for a strengthening move to lift the squad.

Two losses, Pastore and Fede, four injuries, John, Josan, Nico and Lirola, and a yellow-card penalty for Gumbau mark the start of Machín’s tenure. Elche travels to Madrid to face Atlético on Thursday, aiming for a competitive showing and a step toward stability in the league.

Machín reviews the squad for this Thursday’s game against Atlético de Madrid

coach system

Maintaining the 1-5-3-2 shape remains challenging given disruptions, yet the emphasis on a solid defensive plan shows through. Recent draws, World Cup adjustments, and defensive resilience—twenty goals conceded in five matches with four clean sheets—are balanced by increasingly incisive counterattacks, even as most opponents come from lower divisions. The plan for Machín is to react quickly in training, ensuring the starting XI changes are measured and effective, with few reliable alternatives available.

Pol Lirola is already on the grass with Rodri and Nico

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Returning Palacios to his natural duties remains a viable option. With Josan and Lirola injured, Morente’s tactical balance was previously explored. Collado could fill the right-back spot, but that seems unlikely.

Elche team returns to training to face a tough schedule

Palacios holds strong votes in the squad. Enzo Roco and Diego González reinforce the defense, alongside Verdú and Bigas who look like fixed starters. Four players for three positions remain a puzzle. On the left, Clerc is a solid bet. Nico stays out, and Lautaro Blanco won’t be registered again until January. The group trained, but records remain unsettled.

Gumbau will sanction Atlético Madrid for one match for receiving a yellow card

another absence

The midfield picture shows Mascarell, Guti and Collado as dependable options, or Fidel, who is regaining form. The forward line features Boyé and Martí, with Pere Milla a possible late exclusion. Torrent’s attackers could be called upon if needed.

Lirola returns to the lawn

Lirola’s return was celebrated during morning sessions at the Díez Iborra facility as he stepped onto the pitch for light ball work with Rodri Mendoza. Both were placed under medical supervision for a smooth return to match fitness.

Nico

The session also included Nico Fernández Mercau on the surface, though he remained with the right-hand cast. John Chetauya and Josan were notably absent due to injuries. The squad’s depth was reinforced by four youth players in a scrimmage, Juanpe, Carles, Alfaro and Cocca. The long-term injury list remains a pressing concern while supporters hope for fresh reinforcements to stabilize Elche’s fortunes.