Unity in the face of adversity became the central message from Elche’s locker room after a 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou. The Franjiverde side left the game with a firm stance and pride, emphasizing the work done as they left the field outnumbered and under pressure. The team’s first green shoots, led by Francisco, sought to reverse their current setback through determined passes and collective effort.
Francisco spoke openly about a shift in mindset, expressing optimism for what lies ahead, including the upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano on the first Monday of October. He underscored the importance of learning from past performances against Villarreal and Athletic and applying those lessons to the next challenge.
After the clash with Barcelona, Elche players shared their assessments both on the pitch and in the mixed zone, maintaining a consistent line. Gumbau stood out as one of the most direct voices, describing the match with a simple but powerful word: pride. He highlighted the need to earn points in difficult stadiums against strong opponents, acknowledging that the night presented more challenges than successes and attributing some misfortunes to both misjudgments and unfair situations.
Lucas Boyé, the Argentine striker, reflected on the tough evening, noting that credit must go to those who managed to score points in such a demanding venue and against a formidable squad. He insisted that the squad would approach the two-week break with a new plan, focusing on clearing their minds and approaching the upcoming fixtures with a sharper mindset. The goal remains the same — to accumulate points and inch closer to safety. Boyé highlighted the resilience shown by the team, including the willingness to battle for every ball, even when the odds seemed stacked against them. The group emphasized that the recent experience proved their unity and their determination to fight until the end, even when facing tough circumstances.
Carlos Clerc echoed the same sentiment, describing the situation as inherently complex and admitting that another rough scenario was just around the corner. He underscored the importance of staying together and trying to minimize incidents, though acknowledging the difficulties involved. He added that the team did their best to respond to the challenge by running and sharing responsibility with their nearby teammates.
Captain Gonzalo Verdú, who played a key early move that left Elche with a man down after a red card, faced questions about the moment when the referee issued the dismissal to Lewandowski. Verdú acknowledged that the post-match analysis can sometimes miss the real context and that the incident colored the entire game. He took responsibility for his actions, while also praising the collective effort and the defensive commitment shown by the squad, insisting that growth must come from the experience and that the foundation remains solid.
Verdú also looked ahead to the practical next steps, noting that the team now has two weeks to reset and refocus on the Vallecas match, with a belief in their capacity to compete more effectively as they regroup and train with renewed intensity.
Discontent with arbitration
Within the Elche squad there was notable frustration regarding some refereeing decisions. Pere Milla was among the first to voice his discontent on social media during the match, expressing confusion over a red card incident and questioning the interpretation of certain disciplinary calls. His remarks reflected a broader sense in the squad that the officiating sometimes failed to illuminate the flow of the game or to recognize events that affected the balance on the pitch.
Team captain Verdú weighed in again, stating that there were moments when the ball seemed to navigate through gaps and when additional defenders were positioned to cover, yet crucial plays did not receive the referee’s full attention. He emphasized that the team had to cope with these variables and keep fighting, maintaining that it was essential to stay united and continue to work toward improvement. Gumbau added that the squad had pushed the limits in every aspect of the game but must learn to swallow things and keep moving forward. The collective message was clear: resilience, discipline, and continued effort are essential as they prepare for the next challenge.