Elche CF resumed training this Monday afternoon after a day and a half of rest, trying to shake off the lingering frustration from the recent arbitration in the match against Betis. The team carried that upset into the week, aiming to reset mentally and physically for upcoming challenges.
The defeat, especially the manner in which it occurred, represented a psychological blow for the players who suddenly questioned their path to victory. Manager Pablo Machín, now in his tenth season with Elche, faces the familiar task of lifting spirits, acting as both psychologist and motivator to help a squad battered by misfortune and fatigue push forward.
There are plans to improve morale and performance as the campaign continues, with focus on steady training, sharper game understanding, and renewed commitment on the pitch. The coaching staff recognizes the need for consistency and resilience in a season full of obstacles.
Also, preparations are underway for the team’s next league fixture against Mallorca scheduled for Saturday at Son Moix. The match, set for 18:30, will test Elche’s resolve in a hostile environment and measure how the squad responds under pressure.
There will be limited options for selection as Lisandro Magallán, Enzo Roco, and Pape Cheikh fall under a suspension list with only 20 players available for the trip to Palma. The first team group is expected to travel with a compact squad to face Mallorca, hoping to maximize opportunity and minimize risk in unfamiliar surroundings.
As such, Machín must adapt with the available pool of players, balancing experience and youth while searching for a sturdy defensive balance. The coach may lean on versatile defenders and midweek training to reshape the back line and safeguard against tightening oppositions on the road.
Two notable absences loom large: Pere Milla and Álex Collado, along with John Chetauya, whose return timelines remain uncertain. The Catalan striker is expected to be out for about two months after suffering a left collarbone fracture on February 8, requiring surgery and rehabilitation before resuming competitive activity.
The midfielder and the defender on loan from Barcelona have reached the late stages of recovery. A tear in the adductor muscle for the Catalans and a fibula issue for the youngster will keep them sidelined for at least two more weeks, delaying their availability for competitive action after nearly three months away from match duties.
Machín faces a tight squad with several centers in question. The manager must rebuild on the defensive side, potentially reshuffling the backline to protect the goal while building a reliable platform for the attackers to press and create chances. The potential loss of Magallán and Roco heightens the need for a cohesive unit at the heart of defense, with Palacios, Verdu, and other options ready to step in when called upon.
Diego González and Pedro Bigas appear as alternatives to form a solid axis at the back, while Gonzalo Verdu remains a key figure who will need to find his groove and influence from a more limited role. The captain’s duties remain important as he looks to lead by example and stabilize the defense amid shifting personnel and tactical adjustments.
Diego González has emerged as a central figure, while Bigas, who started the season with prominence, has seen his influence wane in recent matches. With Verdu’s playing time also reduced, the trio will need to adapt quickly to maintain defensive balance and provide reliable leadership on the field. The path to a strong performance at Son Moix will rely on collective effort and strategic discipline from the squad.
Carmona and Nteka are ready to contribute again. Carmona, on loan from Sevilla, could be deployed as a central defender or in other positions as Machín sees fit, bringing experience from his time with Sevilla. Nteka, the French striker on loan from Rayo Vallecano, returns to fitness after dealing with illness and fatigue that limited his readiness in recent fixtures. His pace and attacking instinct could offer a fresh dynamic for Elche up front.
In this context, the squad’s depth will be tested, and the coaching staff will rely on a blend of discipline, versatility, and tactical adaptability. The upcoming games will serve as a proving ground for players to demonstrate resilience, improve cohesion, and push Elche toward the targets set for the season.
The team’s supporters and staff alike will be watching closely as the campaign progresses, with the challenge remaining to convert hard work into results. The road to steady improvement passes through careful selection, smart rotations, and a steady belief that a strong defensive foundation combined with opportunistic attacking can restore momentum for Elche in the league standings.
Overall, the focus stays on rebuilding consistency, managing injuries, and restoring confidence across the squad. The next set of fixtures will reveal how well the team has absorbed the lessons from recent setbacks and how effectively they translate that knowledge into performance on the field.