Argentine coach Martín Anselmi has highlighted the relevance of Elche's next match against Valencia, describing it as “extremely important.” In a press conference, Anselmi pointed out that when a team goes through a difficult time, “it tends to rebel” and give its best, and that this is the case of Valencia, which has not experienced its best times in recent years but is still a rival of great magnitude.
The Elche coach recalled that the dynamics of the game can change over time and that the team's objective is to “feed” its own dynamics. “You don't have to naturalize winning, because it is very difficult, but you do have to get used to it, because the winning team is the one that always wants to win,” he explained. Anselmi emphasized the desire to win at home and that a great rival like Valencia can help get the three points at Martínez Valero. In addition, he observed that Valencia usually finds itself at the bottom of the table, which contrasts with the club's history.
During the conference, Anselmi praised the work of Carlos Corberán at Valencia and highlighted the career of Javier Aguirre, with whom he met in Mexico. "He knows how to handle these moments and lead them. He gives the team the ease they have been needing," he commented. He described Valencia as a team with dynamic, experienced and international players who handle the ball well, are fast in attack and intense when pressing, which, according to Anselmi, pushes Elche to the limits.
The Argentine stressed that the key to beating Valencia lies in Elche being faithful to its style, handling the ball and staying united. "We have many things to improve. The key is to compete well. Our best version is to be close and pass the ball to each other, that is our trademark," he pointed out. Anselmi also expressed his desire to achieve his first victory at the Martínez Valero stadium and denied that the team suffers from anxiety about winning at home, stating that the locker room "enjoys the present a lot."
Regarding the situation of coach Eder Sarabia, who returned to the bench after the resignation of his predecessor, Anselmi considered that his return to Espanyol is “interesting” and that he will give his stamp to the club. The Argentine seemed calm about a possible challenge from Pinatar for improper alignment in the Cup match, and concluded that facing another coach is an opportunity to continue improving.