Elche vs Real Sociedad preview - Elche hit by player protests
Posted Sunday, April 19, 2015 by PA
A cloud of uncertainty caused by financial problems hovers above Elche before Monday's important home game against Real Sociedad.
In their second season in the Spanish top flight, Elche are only three points clear of the relegation zone with seven rounds remaining.
Players and staff, who have not been paid wages in the last two months, held a demonstration outside the stadium on Thursday to show their discontent.
The group issued a statement to the media that said: "The only reason why we have congregated here is for the need to unite efforts in order to find a solution to the club's current financial situation.
"We are not in favour or against anyone.
"Our only aim is that Elche has a present and a future.
"We are not going to throw the towel.
"We are going to continue to show the same or even more compromise and professionalism, so that we achieve the aims that we set to out this season."
The club need to come up with three million euros this month to pay off debts if they are to avoid facing punishment from the Spanish Football League.
In the meantime, Elche are trying to concentrate on football matters.
Los Franjiverdes won 2-0 at Cordoba last time out to halt a four-match winless run.
The victory, their eighth of the campaign, lifted Elche to 15th place.
Elche, coached by Fran Escriba, have lost three of their last four games at the Martinez Valero stadium.
Fortunately for the club based in the Alicante province, Monday's opponents have struggled on the road.
Real Sociedad have won just once away from home this season and are 11th in the standings.
David Moyes' men travel to Elche looking to halt a three-match winless run.
A 2-2 result at Deportivo La Coruna last time out was the Basque outfit's second draw in their last three league games.
They are 13 points adrift of Villarreal, who hold the last Europa League qualifying spot, with seven games remaining.
The hosts will be without defenders Edu Albacar and Sergio Pelegrin as well as Cape Verde winger Garry Rodrigues, all sidelined through injury.
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