Elche CF is conducting a squad analysis after a third consecutive La Liga defeat, a 2-3 loss to Real Sociedad on September 7 that leaves them 19th in the table. Martín Anselmi's team has gathered just one point from four matches, with a record of zero wins, one draw, and three losses, according to verified data as of September 8, 2026.
The franjiverde squad consists of 25 first-team players, of which 10 are foreign nationals. Also, five players are under the age of 23, pointing to a bet on youth during a difficult period. The league situation is precarious: Elche is 11 points behind leaders Barcelona and has a -7 goal difference after scoring 5 and conceding 12.
How is this season's squad structured?
Manager Martín Anselmi's technical staff is working with a group of 25 men. This figure includes a mix of experience and youth, with five U-23 footballers. The international presence is notable, with ten players born outside Spain adding diversity to the dressing room. However, the team is coping with the injuries of Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago, absences that limit the manager's options. Fans can check the full status of the squad on our site.
The latest defeat to Real Sociedad at the Martínez Valero deepened the poor run. The team shows a negative trend in recent results, reflected in a sequence of losses (LLLD) in the last league games. This dynamic must change urgently to climb out of the relegation places.
What challenges does the immediate schedule present?
The next fixture is a major challenge: a visit to San Mamés to face 10th-placed Athletic Club on September 12. This away game represents another tough test for a team in desperate need of points. The full season schedule is available on our fixtures page.
The pressure on the squad is evident. With just one point on the board, every match becomes a final. The team must quickly find the defensive solidity it lacks, as it is the second most scored-against team in the competition with 12 goals conceded. Improving this stat is the priority objective to end the negative streak.
Where must Elche CF improve to turn the situation around?
The numbers don't lie. The main weakness is in defence. Conceding 12 goals in four matches, an average of three per game, is unsustainable for any ambition. The team needs tactical order and greater concentration from the start of matches to avoid constantly having to chase games.
On the other hand, the attack has managed to score in three of the four matches, indicating some offensive capability. The challenge is to balance the play so as not to depend on conceding first and reacting later. Integrating the academy youngsters with the veterans' experience must create a more competitive unit. The evolution of the standings will depend on these adjustments.
The work of Martín Anselmi and his coaching staff is now focused on preparing for the trip to Bilbao. With Adam Boayar and Yago Santiago on the injuries list, the manager will have to find solutions within a group that, despite everything, has room for improvement. The match against Athletic Club is scheduled for September 12.
