Hercules faced a rough start, a lost edge that stung more after a holiday break. The team from Alicante kicked off the return with a heavy taste in the mouth, as if lingering worries from sleepless nights and questionable decisions still haunted them. The squad entered a period where a bench reshuffle had become a lifeline, a move aimed at steering a project away from January’s precipice toward a promotion fight at the season’s end.
Related
-
silver and lead
-
A bad arbitration hinders Hercules’ victory at Alzira
With the playoff line eight points away and a danger zone just steps from the drop to the fifth tier, the blue and white players understood their new coach, Lolo Escobar, had shortened the winter break to its limit. A compact eight-day rest, followed by intensive double sessions, a reworked game system, and a resolve to recover lost time. Angel Rodriguez has struggled to build a solid defensive framework since arriving in Alicante in July.
The Extremadura coach plans one single day off in the two weeks before the league restarts. Sagunto remains undecided on whether play resumes Saturday, January 7 or Sunday, January 8.
A former Mirandés coach designed an exercise routine to keep players in peak form until everyone reunites at Fontcalent next Monday, just after Christmas Day.
No goals in nine weeks
The 0-0 draw at Alzira showed it was possible to reset and defend clean sheets, something Hercules had not achieved in their last nine outings, dating back to October 8 against Ebro at Rico Pérez. In Ángel Rodríguez’s 13 games in charge, this milestone was reached only three times, one of which was his Palma debut on matchday 1. P. Rojas
Everyone was called up that day, including the injured Nico Espinosa, Joan Truyols, Victor Villacañas, and Jack Harper. Hercules’ medical team hopes all four recover in time for the league restart. The youngest player continues his rehab separately from the group. There is hope that the Scottish striker, who has endured edema, can return to training and play without pain in his leg and without needing a joint, bone, or ligament procedure.
Four players are on suspension watch: Maxi Ribero, Dylan Leiva, Alvarito, and Michel. If all goes well, they could be available for a second consecutive trip to Valencia.
New look… and expectations?
With four points gained from six possible since Escobar’s arrival, the coach’s second win held back by a controversial penalty in Alzira offers a sign that the project is being updated. Paco Pick, a top sports manager for a squad navigating January ups and downs, faces a tough task as emotions swing in the locker room and the point gap grows before the season resumes. The third group’s contribution becomes crucial.
The urgency to negotiate and strengthen the defense will carry a cost. The technical secretariat must navigate the market carefully to secure contracts with players who will take ownership of their roles. The aim at the start of the transfer window is to push through decisive signings rather than wait until the end, making high-class calls to reinforce the squad.
Before the last two results, the immediate needs included adding a striker, a winger, a left-back, and two defenders to a five-man staff. The situation might ease with the absence of John Paul, but it could also open doors for an attacking midfielder, provided other positions are solidified. This is not the year to save anything; the moment to act is right around the corner.