Elche CF president Joaquín Buitrago has stated the team will have no problems climbing the La Liga table despite the budgetary limitations that shaped their start to the season. The club currently sits 18th with 5 points from seven games, but its top executive expressed confidence during a media appearance tied to a floral offering to the city's patron saint.
Buitrago assessed the campaign's beginning, acknowledging the squad started incomplete due to financial constraints. "We are always marked by budget limitations and that means we close the market in the final days," he explained. This forced a gradual adaptation, though the president highlighted the positive feelings after the international break, following a 1-3 away win against Espanyol.
Elche are in the relegation zone, with a record of one win, two draws, and four defeats from their opening seven matches. Their recent form has been mixed, with a sequence of win, loss, draw, and two losses. Buitrago pointed out, however, that the players are getting to grips with the coach's methods and cited their performance in a narrow 2-3 defeat to Real Madrid and the subsequent victory at Espanyol as proof of their potential.
The president confirmed talks are ongoing to extend winger Germán Valera's contract, after he scored against Espanyol. He acknowledged interest from clubs like Club Brugge and Sporting CP but preferred to keep details private. "When lucrative offers arrive, the aim is for departures to benefit the players and not harm the club," Buitrago stated, emphasising any deal must be agreed by all parties. Fans can track the squad's composition on our squad page.
Regarding potential signings, he ruled out filling the free squad slot before the January window, downplaying any urgency. The club remains alert to opportunities but strictly within a sustainable framework. Top scorer Fer Niño, with five goals, will be vital for the next fixture against Celta Vigo on October 11th, a match listed on our fixtures schedule.
Another key project, the new sports city, is advancing through the administrative process. Buitrago noted the license is with the City Council and praised the collaboration, with the Urban Planning councillor stating it would be issued "as soon as possible". He admitted procedures take time but expressed belief the project would move forward shortly.
Buitrago also mentioned a technical issue that led the club to reconsider the solution for the Martínez Valero stadium's exterior framework, aiming to better utilise its potential. To conclude, the president thanked the patron saint for securing survival last season and humorously asked her "not to suffer so much" this time. The team now has a fortnight to prepare for the visit of 14th-placed Celta, aiming for a home win to start the climb up the standings their president predicts.
More detail at Marca - Primera
