Elche coach talks Flick, Yamal, Rashford, Pena ahead of Barcelona clash – ‘I know exactly what we have to do’ | OneFootball

After a bitter defeat to rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona are desperately looking to get back on track as they take on Elche in La Liga this weekend.

Elche do not have the best of records against Barcelona, thus giving the Catalans an excellent opportunity to bounce back.

However, coach Eder Sarabia is not too keen on gifting Barcelona three points. Speaking to the press ahead of the game, the Spaniard talked about Elche’s chances of pulling off an upset, among other things.

What Elche coach said ahead of Barcelona tie

Despite the vast difference in resources, the Elche manager is approaching the game with a proactive and optimistic mindset, insisting his team can win.

“With such a difference in budget across the board, a smaller team can beat a giant like Barça. I know exactly what we have to do. I would have liked to have the whole week to work, but that’s not an excuse,” he said (h/t AS).

“We want to instil confidence in the players so they can perform at their best. I’m incredibly excited and convinced. If I wasn’t 100% certain we could win, I’d stay home,” he added.

He also explained his philosophy on mentality, highlighting the need to have the winning mindset, saying:

“If you go out there thinking you’re going to suffer, it’s very likely you will. If you find ways to put the opponent under pressure, the player feels more powerful.”

“We want to be more proactive so that the players feel powerful. All plans are valid and all can yield results,” he further added.

Sarabia, who was an assistant coach at Barça in 2020, expressed his admiration for Hansi Flick.

“His arrival in La Liga has been very positive. I identify with his courage and his willingness to propose different things. Last season was a great season, and this year they haven’t quite reached that level yet,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic professional, and we remember the eight goals he scored against us with Bayern. He’s a coach who creates a great atmosphere and keeps the players fresh and energetic. It will be an honour for me to greet him and spend time with him.”

When asked about Barça’s supposed absences, Sarabia dismissed the idea that the Catalans are weakened. He also heaped praise on Marcus Rashford.

Elche manager heaped praise on Marcus Rashford. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“Is Raphinha or Rashford out? I love Rashford, he drove me crazy in England… Is Lamine not at his best? If he’s not the best player in the world, he’s close. Olmo can play. They’re all fantastic players,” Sarabia said.

“They have more than enough options. They’re all internationals, and after the defeat against Real Madrid, they’ll be even more determined. They can’t complain. We’ve got everyone back,” he added.

Sarabia admitted that a key part of his plan involves stopping Lamine Yamal, who has not been in the best of form lately.

“We don’t have a player like Lamine on the team to work on defensively. We have to try to keep him away from the box, prevent him from receiving the ball comfortably, and choose our support situations carefully. He’s sure to create some chances because he’s very good,” he said.

“We have to capitalise on good defensive situations and build from there. There are many tactical and mental aspects to stopping a player of that calibre, but you can’t focus solely on him because there’s more to it. We have to try to defend with the ball and know how to track back,” he added.

Interestingly, Elche’s squad includes two players on loan from Barcelona, Hector Fort and Inaki Pena, who both arrived in the summer of 2025. Sarabia confirmed they are ready for the challenge.

“They’re motivated. They try to help us with things. They’re just as prepared as everyone else. I know I demand a lot from them because when I can’t get them to play the way I like, I get a little frustrated, but that’s my issue, not theirs.

“They’re giving us a tremendous amount on and off the field with their attitude and commitment. You can’t ask for more from them,” he said.

Sarabia talked to Inaki Pena, in particular, stating that his readiness between the sticks will be crucial against a Barcelona attack, which is more than capable of putting pressure on the Elche defence.

“The goalkeeper will be crucial tomorrow. His courage, his distribution from the back, his communication with the defence, and his ability to make saves will all be key because they create a lot of chances. Whoever plays will be ready,” he concluded.