Dituro or San Román: Open Debate in Elche's Goalkeeping Position

There is an ongoing debate over Elche's goalkeeping position, and coach Eder Sarabia has yet to clarify the situation. Matías Dituro and Miguel San Román are vying for the spot, and it seems that San Román's time may be approaching after being in Dituro's shadow throughout the season. "We will definitely see San Román, but I don't know when. We also have a goalkeeper (Dituro) who is performing very well, both defensively and with his feet, providing us with a lot of security. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the league and deserves to play. San Román also deserves it, and we need everyone to be ready," stated the Elche coach, leaving the question unanswered.

Sarabia stated on Thursday that Real Oviedo comes into Friday's match "with a bit more pressure and need" after two consecutive defeats and with fewer points left to play for. "We want to confirm our current form away from home and continue our positive results as hosts," said the coach from Vizcaya, who anticipates a great match "against a strong team in a very nice stadium with a great atmosphere."

Sarabia expressed confidence in seeing Elche's best version and finally confirming their good form away from home with results. "We need to win duels and overcome the opponents and the atmosphere. We need a bit more mentality," commented the coach, who reminded that "we don't know what might happen tomorrow, so it's a great day to give it our all and achieve victory."

The Elche coach explained that due to the nature of some defeats away from Martínez Valero, his team has come out "strengthened" and predicted a Real Oviedo with many tactical alternatives. "We are prepared for whatever they propose. They are very good and can offer their best version," said Sarabia, who emphasized that Elche, despite Real Oviedo's strengths, must focus on themselves "to maintain their essence and have that bit of accuracy in both penalty areas."

The Basque coach did not dare to predict the final position of his team, but he was convinced that "there will not be a drop" in their performance like last year, when they fell down the table in the final third after occupying a direct promotion spot.

The Elche manager lamented the absence of players like Rashani, Aguado, or Nico Fernández "because having everyone makes us better," but he noted that these absences are no excuse for the match "because we have plenty of alternatives."