Elche CF manager Martín Anselmi analyzed his team's second-half reaction in the match against Racing de Santander. The Argentine coach emphasized that the path shown after halftime is the one the franjiverde team must follow as they face a difficult situation in La Liga, sitting 19th with just one point from three games.
What did Anselmi say about the match?
Martín Anselmi was clear in his assessment of the game. He acknowledged that Elche CF was not present in the first half, something that cannot be allowed. "In football, you play 95 or 99 minutes and you cannot give away 45," stated the manager in a press conference. His message to the players at halftime was direct: start from zero, forget the score, and show a completely different image, attitude, and way of competing.
How did the team change in the second half?
The reaction after the break was notable. Anselmi made a key tactical change, switching to a system with two forwards. He introduced Ezequiel Ponce and Tete Morente at the start of the second half, a modification that gave Elche CF more presence in the opponent's area. The team improved its performance, reduced the deficit on the scoreboard, and was just one goal away from a draw. The coach explained that the improvement was due to both the new setup and a different attitude in fighting for every ball.
What does this reaction mean for the season?
For Anselmi, the competitive spirit shown in the second half is the model to follow. "The way we competed in the second half is what will bring us closer to getting results," he declared. This mindset is essential for a team that has conceded nine goals and scored only three so far in the championship, with a -6 goal difference. The club urgently needs points, as it finds itself eight points behind the leader, Real Madrid. The squad is also dealing with significant absences, such as Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago, whose status can be tracked on our injuries page.
What is the next challenge for Elche CF?
The path continues on September 7th, when Elche CF hosts Real Sociedad, currently 14th in the table. It is an immediate opportunity to put into practice the attitude demanded by Anselmi and start picking up points at home. The fixtures schedule shows a run of decisive matches. The task is not easy, but the manager has found in his players' reaction a foundation to build upon. The team must demonstrate from the first minute the intensity it showed after halftime against Racing if it wants to climb the standings and move away from the relegation places.
