Sarabia Sees Elche's Promotion Within Reach

Elche's coach, Eder Sarabia, acknowledged on Friday that if his team, the league leaders, triumphs over Levante, the second-placed team, this Saturday at 18:30, they will take "a giant step" towards the First Division.

The Basque coach predicted "a football festival" in the regional clash with "a great atmosphere outside and excellent football on the pitch." The coach from Vizcaya stated that Elche is prepared, responsible, and focused on the match against a rival that will demand a lot from his team "because that's why they are at the top."

Sarabia noted that among all the teams involved in the promotion race, his team is the only one with "a bit of a cushion," although he clarified that Elche will approach the match without conservatism, doing "everything that has brought us here." "We will be aggressive, brave, and maintain our essence of going for the win. I don't know how to plan matches not to win. We are the leaders, we play at home, and we will go all out for victory," the Basque coach added.

Sarabia described Levante as a rival "with various versions and alternatives," but insisted that Elche is ready for anything. "Calero's teams are based on defensive solidity and not conceding goals, but they also have goal-scoring figures. If they are second, it's because they have done many things right," explained Sarabia, who expects a "beautiful and alternative" match.

Meanwhile, Levante's coach, Fernando Calero, praised Elche, stating that in his opinion, they are "the best in the category due to the number of good players they have" and assured that they deserve the top spot they hold in the standings. "This is no coincidence. No one has given them anything. They are undoubtedly the best team," he commented.

"Elche at home is very powerful. They suffer like everyone else at certain moments. We have to know that we are going to a beautiful match and we have to behave greatly in a state like the one we are going to. We have to bring out the best version of each player. We have generally been a very reliable team, and I am convinced it will be so again," he affirmed.

The Levante coach avoided controversy over whether the 626 tickets sent by Elche to their rival are enough to satisfy the high demand among Levante fans, although he understood the stance of both entities in the days leading up to a crucial match for promotion to the First Division. "I understand all parties. These are club matters that I don't get involved in. Each club manages its strategies and is handling it so that not as many Valencia fans go as would surely go if there were more tickets. And then let the karma of each one go where it has to go and let everyone have a clear conscience," he indicated.