Caesar Hernandez
Hercules faces a decisive moment as the season winds down with no playoff berth in sight. The club reviewed its coaching situation after a long and grueling campaign, where Lolo Escobar, stepping in after Ángel Rodríguez, still holds a year left on his contract. Yet the atmosphere around the team has shifted, and confidence in the direction of the project has waned across multiple fronts. The manager who led the side through notable comebacks in earlier fixtures found the squad’s performance increasingly challenging to sustain. As a result, conversations about continuity grew more cautious, and the likelihood of a different path for Hercules gained traction among decision-makers and supporters alike.
Official plans initially leaned toward a broader reshuffle involving a sports director, with Enrique Ortiz supporting a strategic appointment that would guide the club in the next phase. While Escobar has not been formally dismissed, the rationale for extending his stay has diminished in several key areas of the club’s operation. The season exposed gaps in staffing and squad planning, prompting a closer assessment of leadership roles and the balance between the coaching staff and the executive committee.
Escobar has not publicly announced a definitive desire to stay beyond the current term. The prevailing sentiment suggests that another season would require a voice in squad composition, coupled with a clear plan for the squad’s strengthening. The initial spark of optimism that accompanied his arrival gave way to a period of inconsistency, and the team eventually fell short of its objectives. A fresh approach remains a real possibility as the club explores a sustainable path forward.
Without a playoff run, arguments for keeping the same leadership dim. The technical secretary, Paco Peña, already steered much of the season, even as Escobar inherited a ready-made squad that did not always meet the demands of a demanding schedule. The club is set to appoint a more prominent sporting director within a broadened sports commission, aiming to align leadership with the long-term plan. One name under consideration is Subirats, whose integration into the new structure has not been finalized. The goal is to place a director with extensive experience above the commission to oversee squad construction.
The plan is to begin work promptly so that last year’s missteps, including the postponement of pre-season friendlies, do not recur. Meetings have been scheduled to discuss impressions after a difficult campaign and assess whether parting ways with some staff and players represents the best option for Hercules’ future. The process would kick off with the formation of the sports committee and proceed with coach selection as a central task of the new regime.
Another week of training
Hercules will conclude a trying season with a night game in Ibiza on Sunday. The sole objective is securing a better standing in the King’s Cup, a victory that would come against a team already relegated and out of the fight for survival. After the match, the squad will take a brief break before resuming activities for the next campaign.
The club continues negotiations with players whose contracts expire, seeking amicable terminations where needed. Among those highlighted are Ander Vitoria and Sergio Marcos, who contributed significant resources but did not consistently meet expectations. Míchel remains under contract, though his future remains uncertain and expectations were high given the investments made by both sides. The midfield area could see changes as part of the broader strategic review of the club’s sporting project. The question of whether Luis Castillo will assume the presidency after discussions with the major shareholder remains unresolved.
Disappointment and reflection
Riera, a center back and a pivotal figure for Hercules, described the season as disappointing because the goal of promotion was not achieved despite impressive moments and leadership on the field. He emphasized that the campaign, while brief, was frustrating, and he reaffirmed the club’s commitment to staying competitive with pride as the shield they defend. Riera acknowledged that the season did not meet the club’s historic standards but highlighted the positive aspect of having competed in important matches at Rico Pérez.
Riera avoided predicting his own future and described Hercules as a meaningful challenge for any player. He noted that the club presents motivation and a clear sense of purpose, while also criticizing the occasional rash behavior of some fans after losses. He stressed that threats have no place and recalled past experiences of overcoming adversity during his career. On the upcoming clash with Ibiza, he described the relegated opponent as a team that has faced open challenges but remains capable of producing goals and exciting moments. He urged the team to control the tempo, dominate when needed, and stay focused on the task at hand.