Elche CF Aims to Overcome Adversity Against Osasuna

omidbasir- Elche CF will return to the Martínez Valero this Friday at 21:00, determined to break their unfavorable trajectory in 2026 and secure a victory against a resurgent Osasuna. Ahead of the match, coach Eder Sarabia assessed his team’s current situation and emphasized the competitive demands required for the upcoming clash.

“It will be a tough match against an opponent who is currently enjoying a strong run, at least in terms of results. We are facing an undesirable streak, but we remain rigorous in our analysis,” stated the Bilbao-born coach, confident that the team’s internal efforts are keeping them on course despite recent unfavorable outcomes.

Sarabia assured that the dressing room is motivated to step up from the outset: “We are prepared and eager to engage the fans from the very beginning.” He expressed his desire to see his team “energetic and fierce” from the first minute to foster an immediate connection with the supporters.

Regarding the team’s precarious standings, the coach took a critical yet assertive stance: “This team has fewer points than its gameplay merits, and I am the most demanding and self-critical of all.” He also reflected on the season’s journey thus far: “This team has not flirted with relegation in 23 matches, but we must be ready for that possibility. One of my main objectives is to ensure that when I leave here, the club is more solid, and I believe we are on that path with this ownership.”

From a tactical perspective, Sarabia highlighted the significance of details and emotional components: “We need to execute many aspects well to edge closer to victory; football is a state of mind, which will grant us mental strength. Analyzing rigorously, the differences in matches are not as vast as they may seem.” He noted the competitive spirit of their opponents: “They are a team full of energy and conviction, able to withstand pressure and secure results.” Consequently, he stressed the need for his side to bring energy, spark, and freshness from the outset on Friday: “I am convinced that our engagement will resonate with the audience.”

With a mere eleven points from 45 possible, the recent phase has indeed posed challenges, though the coach nuanced his assessment: “The team needs to compete more effectively, but ‘compete’ is a significant term. In many respects of the game, we are performing as well, if not better, than three months ago. However, small details are costing us points.”

Finally, Sarabia addressed the controversy stemming from his comments made in San Sebastián: “Perhaps it’s a reluctance to confront reality squarely. I may have misspoken or may not have been understood. It is evident that there is a considerable gap, and the achievements of many teams deserve recognition. Anyone who believes we lost on Saturday because they train in Zubieta while we train in Iborra lacks insight. The outcome is the only aspect we cannot guarantee in football, but we can control the elements that bring us closer to that result.”