Nine points from nine matches tell a stark story: Elche sits perilously close to relegation danger and still far from the playoff zone. Even the most pessimistic observers could not have foreseen such a disastrous start to the season for the Franjiverdes.
The gathering in Gijón last Wednesday proved to be the final straw. Supporters have pointed fingers at two main figures: the coach, Sebastián Beccacece, and, more broadly, the club’s owner, Christian Bragarnik.
Elche is a broken toy
JA Galvan
The Argentinian manager has yet to find the right formula to align his footballing philosophy with the realities of the Spanish second tier. The club’s largest shareholder appears reluctant or unable to provide the necessary reinforcements after selling several key players, including Lucas Boyé, Omar Mascarell, Pere Milla, and Ezequiel Ponce. To a lesser extent, the decisions made by the players themselves, such as Gerard Gumbau or Helibelton Palacios, have also influenced renewal talks.
Beccacece led yesterday’s training session, but his future remains uncertain. He delivered a stark ultimatum, suggesting that beating Andorra next Monday was essential to continue in charge.
Beccacece looks more like the outside of Elche than the inside
JA Galvan
GAME SYSTEM
Minimal attacking success and a defensively fragile setup
Despite bold offensive risks and moments of flair, particularly at home at Martinez Valero, Elche managed only a single goal across the opening nine fixtures. The team recorded the worst scoring start in the league and currently holds the most troubling numbers in the competition. This is a worrying signal for a squad once considered a strong promotion candidate.
If defensive frailty is added to the attacking drought, the explanation for the slow start becomes clearer: 11 goals conceded is a heavy tally. The backline has shown limited resilience, something crucial for staying competitive in the division. This is the first and pressing area that needs improvement.
TACTICAL REGULATION
Movements that disrupt balance
Players have struggled to adapt to Beccacece’s system. Numerous movements and positional changes have unsettled formations and left gaps that opponents have exploited in midfield and defense.
After a tentative match in which minor tweaks appeared to stabilize the defense, the relief was brief. In Gijón, the changes were made again, but the expected results did not arrive.
Tweaks that improve Elche’s defense
JA Galvan
Alex Martin currently struggles to meet the club’s expectations. A capable defender, his limited appearances away from home have hindered his impact. Mario Gaspar operates as a right back and centre-back; despite his experience, he often becomes exposed when Beccacece pushes forward without adequate cover. The fixture at El Molinón-Enrique Castro Quini has been particularly challenging.
Up to five full-backs or right wingers, including Josan, Carreira, Mario, Álex Martín, and Tete Morente, have been tried without yielding the desired stability. When wingers advance too aggressively, the defense becomes vulnerable.
There is a missing defensive pivot—someone in the middle who can balance defense and attack. Injuries to John disrupted plans, Raul Guti failed to settle the role, and Cristian Salvador has yet to find a reliable rhythm. Aleix Febas is often the closest to that role, but his aggressive style complicates responsibilities in both phases.
Beccacece’s stubbornness in persisting with his ideas threatens the team’s stability. It seems unlikely that he will reset and adapt, a move that other coaches, like Pacheta, have demonstrated by opting for a defense with three centre-backs and two full-backs to maximize the squad’s attacking strengths.
UNNECESSARY SAVINGS
Money in the box and the salary cap under control
Elche is praised for financial health and disciplined spending. Yet the club has not managed to assemble a balanced squad despite substantial transfers and a salary ceiling near 24 million. That misalignment sits at the heart of the ongoing struggle.
The owner, Cristian Bragarnik, is singled out for responsibility by many. Some players, including Mascarell, Gumbau, and Helibelton Palacios, are eager to extend their stay in the top flight and would welcome contract conclusions that better align with the club’s strategic aims. Ponce’s projected value was high, and a convincing offer from abroad attracted attention, as did Pere Milla’s potential move to Espanyol or an agreement that would allow Boyé to depart for a suitable bid.
If such changes occur, it will be essential to prepare alternatives and furnish the coach with sufficient resources to realize his footballing plan on the pitch.
Front-line options remain, with Sergio León still offering experience and a readiness to contribute, though his impact has diminished with time. Borja Garcés has faced unfortunate injury luck, while Mourad provides width and energy in reserve. The club’s inability to secure a reliable number nine, coupled with limited reinforcements, has left the squad exposed late in the window. The continued vacuum in the transfer market risks a bigger setback, especially if promotion remains a feasible target this season.
In summary, the financial strategy has created a fragile squad balance. Without timely, thoughtful additions, the coming winter market could become a turning point—one that either stabilizes Elche’s campaign or seals a more challenging road ahead for the club and its supporters.