francisco said last Friday that the two-week noncompetitive break was necessary and very beneficial for the squad to recharge, study the game, assess the team’s current state, and restore physical and mental energy for what lies ahead. in front of.
the franciverde group starts this Monday in Vallecas a 20-day stretch packed with a demanding schedule, featuring five fixtures in under three weeks. it will mark the outlook for the Elche side and the coaching staff from Almeria as they navigate the season’s most challenging period.
throughout October, with training and matches piling up, Elche players will hardly get rest days and will have a few days off at most if any.
francisco’s marathon of action kicks off this Monday, October 3 (21:00) versus Rayo Vallecano. next comes a short spell before the following fixture on Monday, October 10 (9:00) at the Martínez Valero stadium against Mallorca, a direct rival in the battle to stay clear of relegation.
if the franjiverdes manage to pick up three or four points, there is a real chance to climb away from the relegation zone, or even step out of the bottom position. that objective becomes crucial because two tough games follow within four days. this Saturday, October 15 (16:15) they will travel to Mestalla to face Valencia in the regional derby, and on Wednesday, October 19 (9:00) they will welcome Real Madrid to the Ilicitano Coliseum. those two matches will be particularly challenging, especially if Francisco’s squad has yet to improve its form.
Elche will round out a steep October with two more clashes against familiar league rivals. first at RCDE Stadium on Sunday the 23rd (14:00), and then against Getafe on the weekend of October 29-30 at Martínez Valero, though the exact time and day are yet to be confirmed.
competition in the First Division will pause for about six weeks for the World Cup in Qatar, with the league returning in early November. In that month, the franjiverdes will travel to Valladolid to meet Pacheta, and the following midweek, around November 8 or 9, they will play their last match before the World Cup break. Girona will host Elche, a fixture notable for its history since Girona achieved promotion to the top flight and Elche’s coach from Almeria later took charge of the club. The two clubs have met as head-to-head rivals since August 23, 2020, when Girona joined the division.
in the eight matches remaining before the World Cup break, the margin for error will be slim as direct rivals press hard in the fight to avoid relegation.