The green-and-white club is still without a coach for the 2026-2027 season, a week and a half after Eder Sarabia's departure. The ownership, led by Christian Bragarnik, is progressing with its analysis and interviews with candidates. The task is not simple, as Sarabia achieved promotion to the First Division and secured permanence in the top flight during his tenure.

The names that best fit their style are Iván Ania and Xavi García Pimienta. Both profiles could provide continuity to Bragarnik's project, which began with Sebastián Beccacece, the current Ecuador national team coach, and Sarabia. Iván Ania has a current contract with Córdoba, while García Pimienta has been unemployed since his dismissal from Sevilla in April 2025.

Specifically, García Pimienta has already undergone a first interview with Bragarnik. The meeting was positive for both parties, although its evolution remains to be seen, as neither the Catalan coach is the club's only option nor does the Elche offer seem to be the only one the manager will receive.

García Pimienta identifies with the style that Elche has aimed to develop over the last three seasons. He coached Barcelona's reserve team for four years, a fact that is viewed favorably in the Martínez Valero offices, given the desire to promote youth development. After Barça, he led Las Palmas to promotion to the First Division in 2023 and kept them in the elite, following a similar line to that set by Quique Setién.

His time at Sevilla did not allow for a change in the club's negative dynamic. Now, Iván Ania's possibility seems to be fading, while García Pimienta's gains momentum, pending whether Bragarnik has any surprises up his sleeve.