Ángel Rodríguez vents his frustration after the Teruel setback
The team faced a tough moment when Teruel handed Hércules a defeat, sparking strong reactions from Ángel Rodríguez. After a week filled with optimism following four solid performances, the loss reminded everyone that no form of success is automatic. The prevailing sentiment now is caution: the group must stay grounded, sharpen focus, and tighten any loose ends before facing tougher competition that appears more challenging than anticipated a few days ago.
The coach of Leones has shifted from celebration to measured concern as the Ebro visit looms on Saturday at 19:00 in Rico Pérez. This match stands out as a critical turning point. It represents a fresh chance to reset, rebuild confidence, and recapture the positive momentum that defined the early part of the season. A setback here could threaten leadership ambitions, so the squad is keen to put Teruel behind them and invest fully in the upcoming challenge.
Argentine defender Dylan Leiva spoke after a Monday training session at Fontcalent, acknowledging that the season’s first defeat at Pinilla was painful but insisting that it is part of football. He emphasized the need to respond with steady, competitive performances rather than letting classifications define their self-belief. Leiva remained hopeful, stressing that the primary objective remains finishing atop the table and continuing to grow as a unit heading into the Ebro clash.
The supporters, known for their unwavering loyalty, were thanked for their impeccable backing. Leiva highlighted the importance of strength at home and consistency on the road, underlining how the team thrives when the crowd is behind them and how crucial it is to add points in every fixture.
Leiva, born in Argentina and now a regular in Ángel Rodríguez’s squad, has built a reputation for contributing in key moments. His career path includes stints with San Martín Formosa and Deportivo Madryn, and he arrived on loan with Hércules through 30 June 2023. In the five games played so far this season, he has shown noticeable quality and commitment. The focus remains on turning the page from the Teruel defeat and approaching Saturday’s match with a clear, determined mindset.
Hércules trained at Fontcalent recently, and after a rest day, the squad will regroup and resume preparations for the upcoming duel. The team recognizes the magnitude of the challenge and is determined not to repeat the mistakes that cost them earlier in the season. The sense of urgency is clear, and everyone is ready to deliver a strong performance when it counts most.
Philip Chacartegui set to return after a quadriceps microtear
Felipe Chacartegui is nearing a comeback after suffering a fibrillar microtear in his quadriceps. He completed Monday’s training with teammates, and the countdown to his reappearance has begun. The Cádiz-born winger came through the ranks at Sevilla FC and San Fernando and has long been considered a pivotal part of the squad. His return is expected soon, providing a much-needed boost on the wing as Hércules prepares for a crucial period of the campaign. The medical team monitored his recovery closely, and the aim is to ease him back without risking a setback.
Christian Cedres did not travel to Teruel due to ongoing ailments, while Nico Espinosa and Sergi Molina continue their recovery plans. The squad expects Cedres to join practice gradually, contributing depth and experience as the season progresses. Hércules is determined to claim a third win of the campaign against Ebro, aiming to replicate the progress shown in the early weeks of the season, keeping pace with last season’s start after the opening month.
Return to form is the immediate objective. The squad believes that consistency, focus, and a strong collective effort can restore confidence after the recent setback. The team is committed to working hard, seizing opportunities, and building on the positives from the early rounds of this season.
Players and staff alike recognize the need to balance ambition with pragmatism. The upcoming match against Ebro is viewed as a pivotal moment—one that could set the tone for the weeks ahead and reinforce Hércules as a competitive force in the league. The group is determined to translate training-ground improvements into results on match day, ensuring that the club remains firmly in the hunt as the season unfolds.