Carmona: “I wanted to be part of the team that saved Elche”
The season’s winter arrivals at Elche have begun to bear fruit, strengthening the squad and contributing to both gameplay and overall development. With fresh energy on the field, Machín’s side has started to collect points and shift the team’s trajectory in a positive direction.
The standout case is Jose Angel Carmona. The young Sevilla academy product arrived on loan and quickly became a talisman for Elche. In the three matches he played, the team avoided defeat, securing two draws and one win, turning him into a key reference point for the side during this period.
The first notable result came against Cádiz at The New Mirandilla, where Elche pressed from the opening minutes and earned a precious point by pushing for victory in the second half. Machín aimed to exploit the right wing with a deep-lying winger, and Carmona answered by contributing to goals and stabilizing the attack. In his second stint with the squad, he also delivered the equalizer against Osasuna with a powerful strike that showcased his technique and timing.
Later, a league clash at Sánchez Pizjuán produced a loss due to a string of bookings, yet Carmona recovered quickly. In the most recent match against Villarreal, the Sevillian started again and delivered another strong performance, showing he can impact both ends of the field.
Over three games, Carmona has earned five points for Elche, and if the path continues, the team can entertain hopes of escaping relegation. Carmona himself has stated confidence that permanence is achievable and that the team will not give up until it reaches safety, fighting until the mathematical guarantee arrives.
Meanwhile, Randy Nteka made a memorable debut as a new signing. He came on at the 71st minute against a strong veteran side and helped steer Elche toward victory in their first win of the season. His physical presence quickly gained the fans’ affection, and with Pere Milla sidelined for months, Elche’s attacking options needed to be sharpened. Machín has trusted Nteka as the third forward in the lines behind Roger Martí and Lucas Boyé, with Ezequiel Ponce also providing depth in attack.
The left flank saw further reinforcement as Lautaro Blanco continued to impress with his pace and crossing ability. His blend of speed and delivery gave Elche fresh width and attacking options, contributing to several important sequences that helped Elche balance the game against tough opponents. Blanco’s natural inclination to push forward has become a constant threat and a valuable asset in Machín’s system.
Another January addition, Lisandro Magallán, arrived after a spell away from competitive football. The Argentine midfielder settled in gradually and featured in the late stages of matches against Cádiz and Sevilla. While not at peak form yet, his experience has brought balance to the central midfield and offered a calm presence that helps organize play and maintain shape. In the tactical setup, Magallán’s contributions at the back and in midfield provide depth and composure in key moments and set the stage for future growth.
With Magallán at center back and a trio of veteran Callejo, Carmona, and Blanco providing reliability on the flanks, Elche has begun to form a more cohesive unit. The coaching staff remains confident that the January signings can continue to build their understanding within Machín’s framework, increasing the squad’s overall stability and potential to extend their stay in the top flight.
Indeed, four winter transfers have already begun to influence the team’s performance and point tally. Nteka has improved the dynamic in attack, Carmona has strengthened the defense and control in the middle, and Blanco and Magallán have added depth across the field. The club’s strategic investments appear to be paying dividends as Elche eyes the remaining fixtures with renewed belief. The focus now is on maintaining momentum, avoiding injuries, and ensuring the newcomers fully integrate into the playing style that Machín is cultivating for the season’s second half.
Pol Lirola’s future remains a topic of interest, and there is talk of a possible move to Alanyaspor. The Turkish transfer window closes soon, and the situation will clarify in the coming days. The winger has traveled with the squad in recent matches, while discussions about loan arrangements with other clubs continue to influence the broader squad dynamics. Elche’s goal is to preserve balance and maximize the contribution of all players as the campaign progresses.
Two wins in a week and a mission to save the season now anchor Elche’s narrative. The club has discovered a new rhythm through winter signings, translating in-field effort into tangible results. As the campaign moves forward, the emphasis remains on continued integration of the new faces and sustained collective progress that can keep Elche competitive in the league standings.
Randy Nteka is ready for further challenges against Villarreal and other top teams. His early impact—coupled with the resilience shown by Carmona, Blanco, and Magallán—signals a promising phase for Elche. The squad now carries a clearer identity, built on tenacity, tactical flexibility, and a growing belief that the season’s objectives are within reach. The winter market may be winding down, but the positive momentum continues to serve as the blueprint for Elche’s ongoing fight for survival and improvement.