Machín: “We will be a stronger Elche and have more options to win”
The first friendship was intense, and the match against West Bromwich Albion proved to be almost an education. From day one, the new Elche style book was clear to Pablo Machín, who wanted a distinct approach for his team.
Throughout his career, Machín experimented with different systems, but he favored a setup that yielded results, especially during his time at Girona. A formation with three central defenders and two wingers produced the strongest outcomes. It appears likely he will again be the preferred choice for Elche.
The Soriano group shares this vision, forming a high-press, high-intensity squad aiming to control long spells of play on the opposing half.
With only two weeks of work under his belt, the task ahead is substantial. The coach remains convinced that success at Elche will follow. In the locker room and within the club, the sentiment is clear: a teacher has arrived. When asked about the new manager’s first impressions, several players and club members echoed that belief, underscoring the fresh leadership now in place.
Machín reveals a plan for a stronger Elche with more ways to win
JA Galvanized
At present, the framework for the idea is taking shape. There are more than two weeks to go before the full strategy is unveiled and the details of a clear style guide are finalized:
TACTICAL DRAWING
5-3-2 in defense and 3-5-2 in attack
On his first day at Elche, Machín emphasized the need to adapt to the squad before committing to a system. By last Friday, it was evident that the tactical sketch would feature a defense built around three central defenders with a three-man midfield and three forwards capable of interchanging responsibility. The coach kept the three central defenders and the two wingers independent of individual names, signaling a flexible approach that could shape a brand-new team each match.
Elche already plays the Machín style
VL Deltel
The spine of the defense appears to be John, Gonzalo Verdu, and Diego González. In the opening stages, José and Carlos Clerc formed the backline with Palacios moving forward in some situations. A late substitution altered the defensive trio, and the lineup shifted as the match progressed. Midfielders and fullbacks coordinated around the same core, with the coach experimenting during the second half.
In the middle of the park, the formation aimed to control the tempo with a containment pivot and two interior players seeking pockets of space. Machín’s ideas for the midfield echoed a strategy used in previous campaigns, prioritizing a center that can press and receive quickly. The Soriano squad maintained balance despite ongoing player movements, with a containment-focused midfield intended to shield the three center-backs. Mascarel operated in that role in the first half, with Raul Guti filling a similar function in the second.
Inside passes and degrees of freedom allowed the interiors to look for space by exploiting wide areas. Alex Collado showed willingness to press and contribute to more fluid build-up, while Quina and Nico Fernández occupied the inside channels in varying degrees. The arrival of Lautaro Blanco provided more options on the left flank, expanding the repertoire of wide players available to the system.
Towards the inside left, Fidel braced for minutes that could test his health, ready to contribute if called upon. The decision to preserve him reflects a cautious, long-term plan rather than short-term risk.
STRATEGY
Gumbau and Nico were responsible for distributing the ball and orchestrating plays from the back and midfields, reflecting Machín’s emphasis on strategic buildup across the team.
Pablo Machín has always stressed the importance of set pieces. While Jordi Guerrero has not yet joined Elche as a dedicated set-piece coach, the current squad is prepared to implement the coach’s ideas in demanding situations. In the match against West Bromwich Albion, the emphasis on two lefties, Gumbau and Nico, highlighted their role in winning corners and organizing attacking sequences.
FRONTS
Two pressure points facing the opposing defense
Offensively, Machín paired two forwards with distinct profiles. In the first half, Lucas Boyé and Roger Martí started together; after the break, Ezequiel Ponce and Pere Değirmena appeared. The green-and-white technician wants the wingers to be more mobile, to create space, and to press higher up the pitch. Ponce’s decisive goal began with a timely steal.
The Festa d’Elx trophy returns and will face an English team from the Elche Premier
JA Galvanized
So far, the plan remains a sketch, with ideas and requests welcomed. On Thursday, Elche faces Leeds United in the Festa d’Elx cup, offering another opportunity to test the squad against a Premier League opponent.