Elche Coach Anselmi: Unity and Home Support Key Against Barcelona

Elche coach Martín Anselmi believes the key to challenging Barcelona lies in strong home support, stating that for every Barcelona shirt seen, there should be many Elche ones to "combat." He stressed the importance of the team acting as a cohesive block.

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The only way is to do things together. I think it is crucial to carry things out as a block and a unit that we are.

Anselmi downplayed the notion that Barcelona's lack of match fitness would be an advantage for Elche. He acknowledged Barcelona as a "great team and the current champion" and dismissed relegation predictions as media noise. "Our focus is on competing and being better in each game," he said, aiming to surpass last season's points total and secure their place in the top division.

The Argentine coach affirmed that Elche would not abandon its "essence" against Barcelona but would adapt its "how" to the opponent. He expressed excitement about playing in front of a full Martínez Valero stadium, highlighting the fans' crucial role last season. Anselmi also lauded Barcelona's football philosophy, tracing its roots to Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola, whom he credited with revolutionizing the game and influencing his own coaching sensibilities.

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Those predictions or lotteries are a media issue that generates noise from which we have to isolate ourselves. Our focus is on competing and being better in each game.

Anselmi concluded by emphasizing that Elche should not be conditioned by the scoreline, as "the result is an excuse." He reiterated that the team must maintain focus on competing and sustaining their game plan, which he described as a collective vision rather than his own.

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Pep gave it a turn and awakened certain sensitivities and curiosities in all of us coaches that made me see the game differently.