Strong-willed Castile. A principled citizen with firm beliefs, Ángel Rodríguez guides his team with measured confidence, his smile revealing a calm conviction. The León native trusts his approach and stays committed to the same strategy, even as his squad faced notable defensive gaps that left a few questions unanswered. Still, he managed to secure a point from a possible nine before defeating Peña Deportiva at Rico Pérez last week. That result came after a game plan that relied on three central defenders and two aggressive wingers, with two fullbacks providing width and balance when needed.
For Hercules’ coach, progress remains non-negotiable for the moment. He notes that recent performances reveal lapses in concentration at key moments. The team started the season unevenly, and those early issues created more danger in a couple of matches than in the six before them, he observes.
“We have to get good wins; that’s what this squad was built for. If the aim is to challenge the top clubs, it isn’t enough to win one game, draw the next, and then lose the following.”
He also remarks that the business side of the club has been strengthened in a bid to gain recognition. He isn’t entertaining a complete system overhaul, insisting the current formula will hold for now. Minor adjustments may occur, but no drastic changes—especially not when the defense isn’t the sole problem. A lack of intensity from players who should press and support the back line is a concern.
The arithmetic on the field hasn’t matched the desired progression the club outlined, despite the start of a new project that sits eight points ahead. The Alicante side must add three points regularly to meet its goals: securing a run of wins. If the squad wants to challenge higher teams, it can’t rely on sporadic results. The upcoming match at Formentera is pivotal for building momentum and sustaining a positive run at home.
“The recent dip in focus is clear to see.”
External factors on the island—the timing shift from Saturday to Sunday, the travel by ferry to Ibiza, the heat, and the varying playing surface—compound the difficulty of delivering a good result. These conditions add weight to an already serious test: the opponent is strong, playing at home with a very physical style. In these situations, the team that minimizes mistakes has the edge, according to Ángel Rodríguez.
“In these kinds of games, success often hinges on a quick, disciplined start.”
Rodríguez reflects on six years in Las Palmas, where travel tends to dampen energy in some squads. The plan is to depart a day early to adapt and recuperate. His players must focus solely on the game prepared, remaining alert from minute one to ninety. He emphasizes staying compact and organized, ensuring no lapse in the opening stages that could cost points. Highly disciplined execution is the goal to secure the three points.
“Starting with intensity is key because these duels frequently hinge on a rebound, a small gap, or a solitary ball carrier. If we don’t execute from the first whistle, earning three points will be difficult,” comments the Leonese coach.
“The Las Palmas tenure has shown how outings can sap teams’ energy.”
The coach shares a crucial insight the publication warned about on Tuesday: Nico Espinosa will not return to the starting eleven immediately after six weeks away. The Formentera fixture falls under strict safety and tactical considerations, given the blue and white junior team’s schematic influence on both offense and pressing.
Rodríguez confirms the club will not push anyone back into action prematurely. Quality alternatives are valued, but no one will be rushed. The plan is for players to rejoin the squad only when fully ready to compete. This includes Christian Cedres, who is also approaching full fitness. The only outlier is center back Sergio Molina, who continues strengthening his knee outside of full training while maintaining competitive rhythm.