Fran Escribá has only needed one game at the head of Elche to raise the morale of the troops. The victory against Eibar has returned the illusion for permanence in the franjiverde environment. Only a small step towards salvation has been taken, but many already have something to hold on to. The defensive solidity that Escribá teams usually show, the connection with their wardrobe or the shine that they bring out on the board are some reasons to believe.
Adjusted table
Elche was reunited with victory after 16 games full of disappointments. The victory against Eibar has allowed the French-green team to equalize the classification. Escribá has a shot out of the relegation places. Elche took advantage of the direct confrontation to cut differences with their direct rivals. Valladolid and Alavés also lost and the team from Elche is level on points with Eibar, the team that is currently saving their lives. What's more, Elche has two fewer parties. On Wednesday he will play one of those postponed against Barça.
Defensive solidity
Elche left their door to zero against Eibar and that is news. The group from Elche had not been able to do so since last December 6, against Villarreal. Escribá bolted the door on its premiere. One of the virtues of the Valencian coach is the defensive solidity that his teams usually transmit. The new coach franjiverde got leaving a clean sheet for the fifth time in 22 games.
Locker room connection
“Escribá has managed to connect with the squad, including those who play less.” The reflection was Dani Calvo, author of the winning goal against Eibar. Escribá has returned to Martínez Valero wanting to make a clean slate. Its premise has been to recover emotionally a group of players who were touched with Almirón.
Empty infirmary
Escribá, after the victory against Eibar, announced that it will make rotations next Wednesday, against Barcelona. The group from Elche disputes one of their postponed matches. Right now, the infirmary is close to emptying. Fidel, Diego González and Víctor, who was left out at the last minute, hope to be back as soon as possible. Escribá will begin to have a wardrobe fund, in addition to recovering part of its old guard.
The blackboard as a solution
The new Elche coach was always passionate about the board. In his previous stage at Martínez Valero, exploited set pieces to the maximum. On Saturday he managed to score in strategy, after a corner. Escribá knows that the blackboard is the key to unblocking matches.