Sarabia Eyes Copa del Rey as Chance for Elche to Bounce Back
Elche boss Eder Sarabia focuses on cup competition after league setback, confirming squad changes and expressing ambition ahead of Eibar clash.
Sarabia Seeks Cup Redemption After League Wobble
Elche manager Eder Sarabia is looking to the Copa del Rey as the perfect opportunity for his side to recover their mojo following their recent league disappointment against Mallorca.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s cup clash with Eibar, Sarabia was in a philosophical mood but maintained his trademark ambition despite the weekend’s setback.
Cup Ambitions
“The Copa is a competition we’re giving great importance to,” Sarabia explained at Monday’s presser, emphasizing that his squad is “recovering physically and mentally” from their league defeat.
The gaffer’s not having any of this ‘it’s only the cup’ nonsense either. For him, this competition represents a proper chance to get back to winning ways and silence any doubters who’ve popped up after their recent away form has been a bit Adam and Eve (believe).
Team News
On the squad front, there’s a bit of a mare with both Diangana and André Silva unavailable for the trip. Between you and me, that’s a proper spanner in the works for Sarabia’s selection plans. Meanwhile, barring any last-minute switcheroo, Dituro will be between the sticks for the cup tie.
Respect for Eibar
Sarabia’s not taking Eibar lightly, expecting them to be “solid in defence” and acknowledging the unique challenges of facing them:
“Eibar always creates special conditions,” he noted, seeing this as the perfect test to measure his team’s competitive spirit against a quality opponent.
No Excuses
When questioned about the tight fixture schedule leaving little preparation time, Sarabia was having none of it: “It’s not an excuse,” he stated firmly, adding that he’d rather have this problem than be knocked out of the competition altogether.
Perspective Needed
Perhaps most tellingly, Sarabia called for some perspective following their recent defeat. He pointed out that fellow promoted sides Levante and Oviedo currently find themselves in relegation spots, while Elche’s overall position remains relatively comfortable.
“We’re having a season that we all would have signed up for,” he concluded, reminding everyone that the bigger picture still looks pretty tidy for the Franjiverdes.
While keeping one eye on Sunday’s league clash with Rayo Vallecano to close out 2025 at the Martínez Valero, Sarabia’s focus remains squarely on Tuesday’s cup challenge first.