Reality check for Elche
Elche club captain Fidel Chaves addressed the supporters after a heavy setback in France, aiming to send a message of calm this midweek. The team prepared for the league opener against Racing de Ferrol with a mix of pressure and expectation surrounding a squad that has both lost key players and welcomed new signings.
The captain emphasized that the side must keep to its game philosophy, stay proactive with the ball, and remain practical against certain opponents as they navigate a tough second division season. He stressed that the La Liga experience demands adaptation and a pragmatic approach in specific moments to maximize results.
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What would be said to the roughly 18,000 subscribers who felt anxious about a slow start and the exit of Pere Milla or Ezequiel Ponce?
The response would be one of patience and belief. The season in this division is demanding. The team enjoyed a solid first half, but Racing de Ferrol seized the chance and unsettled the match. Important players left, yet new ones arrived with potential to contribute significantly. More pieces are expected as the market closes, and the squad is focused on securing the next result in Eibar on Saturday. The aim is to grow attendance to about 20,000 and to ignite confidence for what lies ahead.
Did they discuss the defeat on Saturday to avoid repeating mistakes?
The night proved difficult for the group. The opening loss to a rising opponent was tougher than anticipated. Perhaps the team was over-favored. If surprises exist in this league, they are even more present here. The club began its promotion drive with a loss previously, so the key is not the start but the finish. Three points against Racing de Ferrol will not be revisited; focus now shifts to fixing errors and turning the page ahead of a challenging trip to Eibar, a club that started the campaign as favorites and recently suffered a heavy loss, which should sharpen their resolve.
The team did not create many scoring chances
There is a need to increase attacking threat. The first half hour showed strong play, and taking an early lead could have altered the momentum. Instead, the interval ended goalless and the visitors posed little danger. The concession at the start of the second half sparked frustration, and the team struggled to respond. Finishing in the attacking third remains an area for improvement, a trend observed in pre-season that the squad must address to convert chances consistently.
Must the team grow accustomed to living with the label of favorites?
The season will be demanding and exciting. The squad acknowledges the status as one of the contenders. In the first 40 days, a sensible goal would be to avoid the top two and stay within the fight for promotion. The Second Division is lengthy and tough, and handling the pressure will be key. A victory in Eibar would reaffirm their position and prepare them for another bout of challenging fixtures. The team recognizes its role as a favorite and aims to perform with that responsibility in mind.
The concern about reacting to the concession of a goal
The conceding moment prompted introspection. The group must return to the form shown in the opening half and play with confidence in front of a packed stadium. The weight of expectations can weigh heavily, so the players aim to relax and enjoy the game while staying disciplined. There were doubts about how to proceed, but the team intends to maintain composure and push forward with purpose.
Trigger from Elche on a challenging day
Do the squad and coach need to adapt to life in the division?
Adapting means evolving the team’s approach while keeping the core identity. The Second Division requires a bolder stance, both at home and abroad. Expect to see practical adjustments in some zones and a continued commitment to playing proactively. If the plan remains clear from the first whistle to the last, the team can stay united and maintain momentum, drawing inspiration from recent season highlights of rivals. The aim is to begin and finish with the same level of intensity, asserting their presence in every fixture.
How is the preparation for the Eibar match going?
Preparation centers on regaining confidence and asserting control after the defeat. Eibar will seek a strong home performance against a team that has also faced a rough start. The match promises intensity as a club accustomed to promotion challenges, and the squad is focused on delivering a three-point result in a demanding environment. The plan remains to compete hard and secure the points needed to maintain momentum.
Was Pere Milla’s departure a surprise?
Yes, to some extent. The move happened quickly, and the club lost a reliable leader and a reliable contributor. His goal in Girona will be remembered, and his energy and character will be missed on and off the pitch. He was a player who gave his all until the end. Best wishes accompany him as he starts a new chapter elsewhere.
What about the criticism over the departure and the relationship with fans?
Pere Milla shared four years of commitment and forged strong bonds with teammates and supporters. Football changes rapidly, and while goals define moments, the overall contribution matters too. He left behind a legacy of effort and professionalism. Fans should acknowledge his commitment when he returns in the future as an opponent.