a dedicated hobby
Lolo Escobar Hercules continued to take part in planning decisions even when it was clear he did not want to stay. He kept his undeniable wish to leave Alicante hidden until the very end, a quiet betrayal of trust toward those who cared for him, including Paco. The sequence of events felt predictable given the moments chosen to move the file, yet the technician in charge verified the process during his assignment yesterday, presenting a clear picture. As the coach of Algeciras, Escobar approached the situation with remarkable self-awareness.
“From the first day I sat with the President, I had no doubts. I spoke with my wife about it and wanted to be part of this as soon as possible. It has been a long road, difficult, and we had to push through. I am finally where I want to be and where I hope to be very comfortable,” Escobar stated in his first address as the coach of the Cadiz team, which began nearly from scratch after a season spent fighting to avoid relegation in last week’s First RFEF action.
2 YEARS
Signature Lolo Escobar in new destination
► Algeciras reserves the right to terminate the contract unilaterally if the goals are not met.
Judging by his remarks, the man from Extremadura was genuinely sad in Alicante. It didn’t happen overnight; it had been brewing for a long time. His agent stayed closely involved and secured arrangements for a new destination. Nobody sits down with the president of another club to discuss the future if they don’t feel confident when agreeing with the decisions that keep paying them.
“From the first day I sat with the President, I had no doubts, I wanted to be part of it as soon as possible.”
“I must thank patience and my own ability not to lose composure, which helped me stay calm through the wait that Algeciras showed, as well as the patience of my agency and the clarity about how I wanted to be here. Yet the news spread over time, and I am where I want to be,” Escobar emphasized, satisfied with how Alicante handled the situation without showing discomfort, convincing everyone around that nothing was happening. Perhaps this is why negotiations about his departure felt far from easy.
“I wanted to leave Alicante. Everything came together, and all parties appreciated me. If they had wanted him to go, this would not have happened,” implying that his value was recognized and that the release letter had not been handed over. But, as has happened many times since joining the blue and white team, the press backlash resurfaced and left him in an awkward position.
“Every coach wants a challenge like this; the risk is that the initial effort aims to push through with the team until the end.”
The decision did not diminish the respect shown to Escobar. The board, and his direct supervisor, recognized his worth, and the underlying trigger factor was kept out of sight. With preseason just around the corner, he knew he would not be part of the program he had helped shape. Still, he remained hopeful. “Everything that happened is in the past, and I won’t second‑guess the choices I made. I’m excited to be here and wish the preseason could start tomorrow. First of all, I would rather not talk,” he noted.
“It took time, but I’m where I want to be and I appreciate the patience shown by Algeciras and my agency.”
Escobar’s arrival at Algeciras represented a lifeline for Don Benito’s coach, supporting a plan to finish in the top five of the group. Only the champion would be promoted, while the other four places faced early elimination in the first round of the playoffs.
a dedicated hobby
Stage fright, insecurity stemming from the team’s involvement, home pressures, high expectations, the sensitive relationship with SAD executives, and the pressure when results lag all contributed to a heavier burden for Escobar. In a setting far from home, surrounded by new faces and voices, he faced a demanding environment with a sense of responsibility that weighed on him more than anyone expected. Yet his demeanor remained steady, with a quiet confidence that suggested a steady hand guiding the team through a difficult transition.
“Every coach wishes for a hobby that keeps them grounded, even if it feels exhausting. I remember the welcome the squad received on the day of Tropezón, a 2013 match that sealed the ascent for the team. I thought, if we could replicate this, it would be remarkable. A hobby should push a team to give its all and then some.” Escobar remarked, recalling the warm reception at Rico Pérez and explaining why he valued the experience, even when the situation at hand was tense.