Hércules will head to Mallorca this Friday, and on Saturday they face a formidable Andratx side that has yet to taste defeat at their home stadium. Torrecilla has to decide whether lArtiles will be available after a decisive mistake in the last game and Alvarito remains a doubt until the final moment. The coach noted that players are normally training and able to join the search from the start. Rubén Torrecilla highlighted a positive mood within the squad and the extra motivation that comes from aiming to win in an arena where visitors have struggled to claim three points. Regarding the synthetic turf awaiting the Alicante team, the Extremaduran coach said: they will play in a difficult environment and they must win regardless of conditions, but he stressed that this should not be used as an excuse to offer a weaker performance. It is a challenge to be met head on.
“We have quality players and a dominant team, but we must be direct and decisive, making the most of second moves. To become champions, results on these surfaces are essential,” the coach said during the press conference. He recalled that Andratx had just scored a goal in the leaders’ half, and he emphasized that Hércules arrives from an important win and now must adapt to different conditions, which will require strong focus and high motivation.
“We have to concentrate on the job ahead. Nobody has won there yet, but we didn’t win in Lleida either and we did it,” the coach added, underscoring the Balearic team’s strengths in dealing with direct play and pressing behind the opponent’s defensive line.
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“We must be ready for whatever comes, stay organized, and push the game to our pace,” Torrecilla explained. The race for a top-four place remains tight, with points earned consistently spreading the standings over time.
“To keep adding points, consistency is key: be organized, focus on winning, and avoid losses,” the Extremaduran coach noted, downplaying the idea that Hércules has the most goals in the group by default, stressing that the team has produced impressive numbers as well. He is the second-highest scorer in the squad.
“We are a team that looks to pressure opponents, and this means we can test them even when they don’t approach us much,” the coach commented. He also admitted that the search for a defensive midfielder was paused to avoid compromising a free spot in the lineup.
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“It’s hard right now because no one is coming easy. We have to wait, and if nothing comes, what we did earned us winter champions,” he insisted.
Torrecilla also discussed the striker’s form, Mark Mendes, who already has eight goals this season, his best tally in recent campaigns for Hércules.
“This is a guarantee for the team. The one misstep he made is not ideal, but he should not obsess over scoring because goals tend to arrive when a player keeps faith and works for it,” the coach commented, urging calm.
“He can double his goal tally with the remaining matches; he is hungry and wants to improve every day. I see a very high ceiling for him,” added the blue-white coach, highlighting Mendes’ potential.
Social Council
Violeta Trives will serve as the new Secretary of the Social Council. The Alicante native brings experience from her involvement with the Centenary project and will focus on ensuring supporters’ perspectives are heard. The Social Council’s primary objective is to amplify the fans’ voice within the club and to elevate their role in decisions that affect the team and community.