Morcillo urges Elche to stay calm after defeat

“We are calm”: after Elche’s defeat to Valencia, Javier Morcillo sought to steady the mood. The midfielder believes his team is on the right track to meet its season objectives and is now looking ahead to Betis, who visit the Martínez Valero in the next round.

Elche have yet to win at home this season. Morcillo acknowledged that the results at their ground have been disappointing, but said they are not a major concern in the dressing room. “We were in a good run of form and need to make the most of our good performances to beat Betis,” he said at a news conference.

He also pointed out that two of Elche’s home matches have been against Barcelona and Madrid. Morcillo stressed the importance of the supporters and the team’s fondness for the Martínez Valero: “We prefer to play every match here rather than away, even if the points suggest otherwise.” He added that nobody wants a home win more than the players and that they appreciate the supporters’ backing. “It will come, that’s for sure,” he said, referring to their first home victory.

To explain Elche’s difficulties against teams that sit deep, Morcillo said a low block makes any match harder. He acknowledged that the team still needs to improve how it deals with that kind of defence.

The midfielder also lamented Thomas Lemar’s absence through physical problems, hoping it would be brief and emphasising how important the Frenchman is to the team. After taking four points from six in two consecutive away games, Elche return to the Martínez Valero with an immediate target: turn their supporters’ backing into their first home win of the season.