Elche’s squad updates from a morning session
The session at the Díez Iborra football field opened with a clear message of focus. Positive notes arrived from the injury front as Pol Lirola continues individual work on and off the grass, building speed and confidence after his latest setback. The coaching staff remains aware that the left-back position may require adjustments, with Helibelton Palacios having filled the defensive role in recent fixtures.
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The team faced a tactical challenge as Lirola’s availability remains a variable. The coaching staff discussed options to maintain balance across the back line while Lirola recovers, ensuring the organization and pressure from the wings stay intact as training progresses.
Ball work and precision
During the ball drills, players focused on rhythm and passing accuracy. The pace remained brisk as the team integrated a few younger prospects into the drills. A notable presence was Rodri Mendoza, a midfielder working his way back from a serious knee injury and gradually rejoining the pace of full practice with the group. Mendoza’s return is watched closely, given his evolving role in linking defense to attack.
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The club reaffirmed its plans for Mendoza’s continued development during the upcoming seasons, signaling a commitment to stability in the midfield spine. Eyes stayed on how his presence will influence ball circulation and tempo when the team faces demanding schedules.
Nico steps onto the training pitch
Argentina’s Nico Fernández Mercau took part in the morning session while managing a protective cast on his right arm. The focus remained on muscle maintenance and cautious load management, ensuring the limb remains shielded while work on mobility and strength continues. The intent of the day was clear: keep him in steady contact with teammates and the overall rhythm of practice without risking a setback.
Missing from the lineup
The day highlighted two absences: young winger John Chetauya, sidelined by a broken fibula, and Josan, dealing with an adductor issue. Neither player is expected to be ready for the next squad gathering, which shifts the focus to the depth available for upcoming matches. The head coach is managing a set of four injuries and is adjusting the squad to keep the tactical plan intact.
The group continues with a mix of veteran first-team players and developing talent from the reserve ranks. The on-field plan relies on a core group—Juanpe, Carles, Alfaro, and Cocca—to reinforce the midfield and maintain cohesion during practice and future fixtures.
Speech and intensity
The session began with a talk from the Soriano era’s coach, who gathered the players in a circle at the center of the field. The message centered on focus and collective effort. Following the pep talk, intensity surged through the drills, with a dedicated 15 minutes dedicated to structured media education and performance habits. The aim was to sharpen on-field decision-making while reinforcing the team’s ethos of discipline and resilience.
Throughout the practice, the emphasis stayed on ball control, quick transitions, and pressing blocks. The coaching staff stressed the importance of maintaining shape when attacking and swiftly recovering defensive balance after turnovers. This blend of tactical instruction and physical work shaped a session designed to test the group’s mental and physical readiness as the season advances.
As play continued, the training environment encouraged players to push one another while maintaining a professional level of concentration. The mixture of endurance drills, positional work, and small-sided games provided a thorough test of fitness and technical execution. The overall aim remained clear: build cohesion, nurture recovery progress, and prepare the squad for a demanding schedule ahead.