Pere Milla marked his 30th birthday this Friday, a milestone that shines as he remains with Elche CF. In a challenging spell for the club, he faces a table still revealing a difficult start, with a single point from a possible 18 after six rounds. The Catalan forward acknowledged the slump was fueled by his own errors, yet also pointed to a sequence of circumstances that pulled in the opposite direction. He urged the team to rally behind the spirit shown in the late stages against Barcelona at the Camp Nou and insisted that Elche must secure a victory to climb out from the bottom of the table.
Pere Milla did not want to reopen the debate from last summer with the club, noting that the situation had become stale chatter. He emphasized that what matters is his continued presence at Elche and the club’s assurance of his commitment. He does not regret his comments and once again offered apologies to anyone who may have been offended or felt affronted.
What has been analyzed and worked on this week to alter the current trajectory?
There is a clear aim to reclaim their true identity. Results have not reflected the team’s ambitions, yet the focus remains on self-improvement and the anticipation of the upcoming match against Rayo to secure three points.
How would the player describe the ongoing situation?
It stems from a cluster of conditions. Mistakes were made, for sure. A narrow miss against Betis in the 13th minute at Camp Nou underscored how tiny details can tilt a game. In this league, errors come with a price. While this might sound like an excuse, the essential point is that wins have eluded them and changes are necessary. Our missteps have punished us, and the tally against Betis or Barcelona is a reminder of the demands. The focus now is on avoiding similar mistakes with heightened concentration.
In the recent loss to Barcelona, teammates noted signs of progress. Is that the right path?
Yes. The team did not surrender after losing possession and refused to give in despite the odds. Elche must sustain the Elche spirit that captured attention last season. Watching the match on television, one could see the effort as the players chased every ball. Barcelona opened the scoring in the 35th minute and stretched their advantage, yet the collective effort remained commendable. That resilience is the path forward.
To progress, there is also a need to boost the previously unseen attacking threat…
In two of the six matches, the team found itself one goal short after 15 minutes, allowing the opposition to settle. It’s clear that the team has not dominated the opponent’s side of the pitch and forward presence has been lacking. A strong performance against Almería showed what could be possible, but gaps remain that opponents have exploited.
There has been talk about a tougher schedule. Now the calendar looks more accommodating…
They acknowledge a rough start but believe a win will lift them out of danger. The aim is not to linger in the bottom three after 38 rounds and to stay competitive with every opponent in the league. The goal is to challenge every team on the schedule rather than selectively.
Are the losses of key players like Fidel felt as well?
When things go wrong, pressures multiply. It is essential for everyone to stay strong and united. Fidel’s absence is significant, but it mirrors the losses of Omar Mascarell and others. The priority remains to win and stay true to the club’s identity.
There is also talk about physical development within the squad…
Ultimately, points matter most. In the Almirón era, ten points were amassed across five games, yet a slump followed. It is difficult to add meaningful points when the performance does not meet expectations. The team recognizes that maintaining a modest approach while facing strong foes like Betis or Barcelona requires discipline and determination.
On a personal level, what happened in the summer that needed refreshing?
That is historical context; the priority now is the present. The focus was on helping the team escape the current trough. The friction with the club was resolved, and both sides agreed on the best path forward. The player is content with the decision and remains intent on winning.
Is there regret over the statement that drew significant fan criticism? Would it be repeated?
The moment spoke for itself. It reflected a strong, personal viewpoint. Thoughtful consideration went into the decision, and apologies were offered to anyone offended. The main point is that the player remains committed to Elche and ready to contribute.
Turning 30 today, what memories stand out from time with Elche? Was the expectation of achievement realistic?
Reaching 30 at Elche was not anticipated when arriving three years ago, but it marks a chapter of growth. A meaningful three seasons have passed, with the hope for the coming years to mirror that success. The player sees himself as part of the squad rather than a separate figure, a teammate among many.
What can this Pere Milla era contribute, now taking on greater responsibilities?
The contribution has remained steady, with the expectation to match or surpass last season. Although he started 17 games last year, the essence lies in helping the team, whether the appearance is brief or extended. The aim is to be present and impactful, sharing the burden with every teammate because success belongs to the group.