Sofia Quijada
Elche’s Remarkable Return
After a two-year absence, Elche secured their return to La Liga with a dominant 4-0 victory over Deportivo in June.
Despite being the third-largest city in the Comunidad Valenciana, Elche is often overlooked by pundits who predicted their immediate relegation. However, under Eder Sarabia, the team has defied expectations, currently sitting eighth in the league after 10 games.
A Coach’s Journey
Sarabia’s path to coaching was unconventional. Born in Bilbao, he inherited a footballing legacy from his father, Manu Sarabia, a legend at Athletic Club. Unlike his father, Eder’s playing career peaked in the third division. ‘I thought I was going to be a footballer, but it didn’t work out,’ he admits. Instead, he found fulfillment in coaching, starting with youth teams and eventually rising through the ranks at Villarreal.
Learning from the Best
Sarabia’s mentorship under Quique Setien was pivotal. They first met when Sarabia was just eight years old, and Setien became a second father figure. ‘My father and Quique were my two footballing fathers,’ Sarabia says. Their collaboration spanned five years, with Sarabia assisting Setien at Las Palmas, Real Betis, and Barcelona. Despite a tumultuous stint at Barca, Sarabia reflects positively on the experience, particularly his interactions with Lionel Messi. ‘Leo isn’t just the best of all time—he’s probably the one who understands [football] best of all time,’ he remarks.
Innovative Style and Ethos
At Elche, Sarabia has implemented an innovative, attacking style. Unlike many promoted teams that play defensively, Elche focuses on entertaining football. ‘We have a general idea and a model, but we never play the same way,’ Sarabia explains. His philosophy emphasizes honesty and integrity, a value instilled by his father. ‘Football is for clever people, but not for cheats,’ he asserts. Sarabia’s long-term vision for Elche includes sustainable growth and a lasting legacy, regardless of his tenure.