Elche CF captain starts season with enthusiasm under Anselmi

Elche CF captain Pedro Bigas has opened up about the early weeks of pre-season under new manager Martín Anselmi. The Mallorcan defender, in his sixth straight season with the franjiverde, has spoken with optimism about how the team is adapting to the Argentine coach’s changes.

What did Bigas say about Anselmi’s project?

Bigas acknowledged fan concerns over whether Anselmi’s philosophy would fit the dressing room. But the defender dismissed those doubts outright: «Estamos viendo algunos cambios, adaptándonos. Tenía muchas ganas de empezar esta nueva temporada, de tener otros objetivos y la verdad es que estoy muy contento con los compañeros y con el cuerpo técnico».

The Mallorcan also compared Anselmi’s style to that of his predecessor, Eder Sarabia. «Es un entrenador al que le gusta mucho tener el balón. Trae su idea y algunas modificaciones, pero creo que vamos por buen camino», Bigas said. The team, he added, is responding well to the coach’s demands and is approaching the start of the season with maximum enthusiasm.

The role of the Elche CF fans

Bigas didn’t forget to praise the Illice fans, the club’s biggest support in tough times. «Siempre he dicho que lo mejor que tiene este club es la afición, en los malos momentos es cuando más aprieta y más cerca está del equipo», the defender stated. «Nosotros solo podemos dejarnos la piel para devolverles todo ese esfuerzo».

The captain, who has played five full seasons for the club since his debut in 2020-21, stressed that the hunger to compete never fades. «Tenemos muchas ganas de que empiece la Liga y que llegue el primer partido en casa para poder disfrutarlo juntos», he added.

What’s next for Elche CF in the final stretch of pre-season?

Under Anselmi, Elche CF is nearing the end of its pre-season build-up before the league opener. The Argentine coach, who joined the club in June 2026, has introduced tactical tweaks focused on possession and high pressing. Bigas, who has already made 150 official appearances for the franjiverde, noted that the squad is responding with discipline to the new demands.

Elche CF’s first official match of the 2026-27 season is scheduled for August 18 at Martínez Valero. The franjiverde fans are already sensing the start of a campaign that, according to Bigas, could be special if the team maintains the unity shown in these early weeks.