Days before Alcoyano’s league opener against SD Logroñés, scheduled for next Sunday at Las Gaunas, the club faces lingering doubts. A turbulent pre-season, coupled with a demanding FA Cup regional final schedule and a string of friendly matches sealing the run-in, has left observers wondering whether the squad has found its rhythm in time for competitive action. The camp acknowledged significant losses and a results shortfall that cannot be ignored as the campaign looms.
Even with promising signs early on, Vicente Parras’ squad has not yet shown the consistency expected ahead of the league curtain raiser. The early optimism gave way to questions after the fourth friendly, a setback against Atzeneta that unsettled the confidence built in week one. The players had begun pre-season eager to prove themselves, but the defeat or near-misses in those warm-ups disrupted the momentum and raised the stakes for the forthcoming fixtures.
Pre-season at Alcoyano looked different this year because it involved blending friendly matches with the FA Cup regional phase, a format that pushes squad depth and tactical adaptability. The group stage, led by Collao, tested the players in rapid succession of matches designed to gauge form under pressure and to identify which combinations could sustain momentum through the season.
The clash with Atzeneta was the opening act in the group and concluded 1-1 after a defensive slip caused by Valencia’s limited time to react. A subsequent stalemate with Hércules followed, a match staged as part of the Ciudad de Alcoy Cup, which eventually headed to penalties at Rico Pérez to decide advancement. The results underscored a recurring theme for Alcoyano: moments of vulnerability in defense and a need for sharper finishing at critical moments in the game.
Nevertheless, the team steadied the ship with a 1-2 win at Orihuela, a victory that closed the FA Cup group phase on a positive note and suggested the squad could rally when it mattered most. Yet, doubts resurfaced in the last two friendlies, both played at El Collao, where sub-rivals Torrellano offered a stern challenge and Alcoyano finished with another draw, highlighting ongoing inconsistencies in performance and a nuanced competition for starting positions within the squad.
The best news came with the advancement to the FA Cup regional final against Alzira on Wednesday, a result that kept Alcoyano on track for a potential cup progression and preserved a sense of purpose heading into the domestic cup competitions. The looming challenge of the Copa del Rey remains on the horizon, with the club looking to secure a pathway that could bolster its season objectives and provide a broader platform for the squad to showcase its quality in national competition.
Injury concerns have added a heavier weight to the build-up. Sergio Moyita and Pedro Sánchez, two of the summer’s notable signings, have not been available for selection, complicating manager Vicente Parras’ options. Adding to the worries is the sale of Javi Antón to Castellón, which trims squad depth at a moment when fresh legs and fresh ideas could prove vital. Moreover, canterano Carles Peris faces a longer recovery after ankle surgery earlier in the week, with estimates pointing to a return several months down the line. The club’s sports management team now faces tough decisions about replacements and strategic recruitment as they navigate this transitional period in the squad.