Eldense Relies on Oltra's Experience

El Eldense has turned to the seasoned José Luis Oltra to help maintain their status in the Second Division. The 55-year-old Castellon-born coach has over 400 matches under his belt in the league and faces the challenge of preventing the team's relegation, as they currently sit six points away from safety following a painful 1-4 defeat against Cádiz.

The club highlighted in their statement that Oltra is a coach with significant experience and two promotions to Spain's top football division, one with Tenerife and another with Deportivo de La Coruña. Throughout his career, he has managed teams such as Castellón, Levante, Almería, Mallorca, Recreativo de Huelva, Granada, and Racing de Santander, among others.

Oltra's last solo stint as a manager was in Cyprus, where he led AEK Larnaka until last season, achieving a remarkable run in European competition by reaching the quarter-finals of the Conference League. Additionally, last season he served as an assistant to Quique Sánchez Flores at Sevilla, an experience he described as "enriching."

The new Eldense coach will debut in a crucial match against Tenerife, the only team trailing in the fight for survival, where every game is a final.

"Oltra is a coach passionate about football, focused on ball control, teamwork, and hard work, with a balanced vision between technique and creativity," the CD Eldense statement emphasized.

Under Dani Ponz, the Alicante team has gone eight matches without a win, costing the Valencian coach his position. Eldense remains vigilant in the transfer market, aiming to strengthen several positions and not ruling out further departures. Owner Pascual Pérez is determined to avoid relegation to the Primera RFEF and is willing to invest heavily in signings before the month's end.