Elche C. F. - Rcd Espanyol: González optimistic as lineups warm up at Martínez Valero
Elche C. F. - Rcd Espanyol entered its match build-up with both teams' lineups confirmed and players on the field for warmups at the Martínez Valero, while Espanyol coach Manolo González said he is very confident the side will win as they try to end a winless run that began in 2026.
Elche C. F. - Rcd Espanyol: lineups warm up at Martínez Valero
Confirmed lineups have been posted and both sides were on the pitch carrying out pregame exercises at the Martínez Valero, where roughly 400 visiting fans are expected to occupy the stands in support of the visitors. The atmosphere on the turf was focused on preparation, with managers using the warmup period to finalize tactical details before kickoff.
Manolo González: "I am very sure the team will win again"
Manolo González framed the game at the Martínez Valero as both important and difficult, saying he trusts his group to return to winning ways after the side failed to win any match since the start of 2026. He stressed the dual goal of securing three points and recovering the team's feel for being a hard-to-beat unit, adding that defensive work and keeping a clean sheet remain vital objectives.
González confirmed that Javi Puado will be absent and that Antoniu Roca will also miss the match because of a back dislocation; he described Roca's issue as not appearing very serious and said Roca could be available the following week. Fernando Calero felt a small discomfort in training but will travel with the squad; the coach said the staff will assess Calero before the match to determine whether he can play.
Pace and JJ Watt in the stands backing the squad
Club leadership will be watching from the Martínez Valero box: Alan Pace and JJ Watt are set to follow the match in person, a show of support for the players as they confront their poor results so far in 2026. The presence of Pace and Watt coincides with an estimated 400 blanquiazul supporters in the stands, who the club hopes will help lift the team on the day.
González also addressed wider topics in the pregame session, noting that refereeing decisions vary over a season and that the squad must stay focused on football and the work at hand. He touched on transfer chatter as well, commenting on the rumors linking the club with Aleix Febas while keeping the spotlight on match preparation.
The coach outlined tactical adjustments used in prior matches—citing a change of system against Atlético de Madrid to avoid isolated duels in the back line—and emphasized the need to correct recent defensive lapses that have cost the team. He said keeping concentration throughout the match and restoring defensive solidity are priorities for the players on the pitch.
With lineups confirmed, the warmups underway and club leadership present, all attention now turns to the match at the Martínez Valero set for tomorrow. The squad will make a final call on Fernando Calero's availability before kickoff, and the result will determine whether Espanyol can finally break the streak and regain the positive results González expects.
