One step shy of promotion to the Second Division, he left Badajoz and then took a break. Fernando Estévez is moving to lift his thorn and guide Eldense back to professional football after nearly six decades. The Barça manager is not rattled by pressure in the last nine fixtures and is confident he will realize a dream that wasn’t among the club’s goals last summer. Currently, the team sits four points clear of Castellón. Securing first place would mean direct promotion, with no playoff necessary. The coach, now a hero in Elda, says, “I’m focused on the match against Intercity right now; the schedule isn’t clear to me yet.”
Did you expect to lead with nine games remaining and a four-point cushion?
When he arrived, promotion or first place wasn’t the stated objective. The league features a strong group of teams with big budgets and stability. Getting into or near the playoffs was a tall task, yet the aim went beyond merely reaching that milestone. The decision to come here hinged on alignment with the sports management, a deep understanding of the league, and a consensus on how to shape the squad. The project began with the intent to secure a position in the category, but the outcome surpassed those expectations.
The city of Elda is devoted to the team…
Indeed, it’s striking. It had been a long time since Elda generated this much football fervor. The club started with around 1,200 members, and selling out the stadium was unimaginable not long ago. The atmosphere is electric. Only 300 tickets remain for Sunday’s Intercity match, and the venue seats over 4,000.
Eldense puts the director in Second (2-0)
Intercity is due to arrive at Nuevo Pepico Amat on Sunday…
A capable squad and a project that makes bold bets, competing in a league with solid players and a strong coach. A derby adds extra appeal.
Two points in three games but still holding a solid advantage over Castellón…
The anomaly was that the club led by a wide margin before, while others in the league have substantial resources. This is a highly balanced division. What’s normal now is the current level of equality and competition. It’s a long race; standings shift by the day. June marks the end of the season, and five days ago Castellón was just one point behind. While the latest results weren’t all positive, the team is much stronger in the table now.
How do you see the remaining nine days on the calendar?
I can’t assign a value to what lies ahead by looking beyond the next match. Right now, Intercity is at home and Amorebieta awaits away. The path is tricky for everyone because every club has something at stake. Surprises do happen in the short term, and experience shows that a timely upset can alter plans.
Guille seals his Eldense target
Could the match against Amorebieta be decisive?
He’s a demanding opponent and a model of perseverance. Eldense is a modest club that builds well around its squad and competes on merit within its division. The challenge isn’t limited to one or two rivals; seven or eight teams remain in the fight, with SD Logroñés among those who beat them. Plans have long included evaluating options for the long haul.
Promotion directly to the Second Division would be a dream…
Seeing Eldense reach the higher tier would be a proud moment for a club with a long history. Avoiding the playoff gauntlet, where many things can go wrong, would be ideal. A direct ascent would lift the entire organization and energize the community. It would be a remarkable achievement for everyone involved.
What surprised you most about your team?
The professionalism of the players stands out. Veterans like Álex Martínez, Miguel Núñez, Pedro Capó, and Juan Carlos Hernández have contributed to a culture where team success outweighs individual glory. Their humility and commitment to the group are clear. The locker room feels unified, and the harmony between the coaching staff and the directors is the engine of the work and its fruits.
How can pressure influence the team during this final stretch?
Pressure is a privilege. The coach is a year away from peak exposure and benefits from this return to training. Young and old alike envision a promotion, and that shared aim motivates the squad. The work ethic defines the results, and competition keeps everyone sharp. The team believes in the mission, and that belief translates into tangible outcomes. The league’s harsh realities remind everyone that discipline wins games.
What about the Sunday meeting?
Intercity remains a tough rival. They’re in good form and have been unbeaten for eight weeks, fielding eleven variants. They have a strong coach and a roster with capable players such as Piñán, Etxaniz, and Marí. If they perform at their best, they can complicate Eldense, but the home team also carries the tools to respond. It promises to be a difficult, competitive match that will test every facet of discipline and execution.