A team only thrives when a solid core keeps the heart beating. During preseason the aim is to build the legs, learn the tactics, and meet every teammate who will share the grind for the next nine months. This is the moment when a collective identity begins to form and the fan base can sense the momentum building.
It goes beyond simply fielding eleven players. Rotations, varied schemes, and a depth of options from a squad of twenty to twenty-five can swing matches and, most importantly, help achieve the season targets. In Hercules, that means a clear path toward promotion to the First RFEF.
Chosen for his fifteenth attempt to rise above the rough edges of Alicante football, coach Ángel Rodríguez is focused on laying the foundation for what he calls his Hercules. Across five preseason friendly matches—two against Orihuela and UCAM Murcia and one against Eldense were not played due to player absences—the Blues and Whites directed their efforts with precision. Each minute was used to forge synergies, reinforce concepts, and establish the early framework for a cohesive unit. The challenge remains steep, as the team prepares to face tough opponents and build a strong squad in a relatively short period.
The goalkeeper position is the first fixed line in Rodríguez’s plan. Carlos Abad is set to guard Rico Pérez’s goals in the 2022/23 campaign, and so far his form inspires optimism about the team’s defensive stability. The Canary captain has featured in five summer friendlies, while no clear substitute has emerged yet. Abad left only modest traces of playtime in the form of minutes against Al Wehda and a brief appearance against team AFE. Iván Martínez is the leading candidate to take on the role if a transfer can be greenlighted, but that acquisition remains uncertain and will require careful negotiations. The path ahead isn’t easy.
The defensive line also reads as a work in progress but with firm momentum. Strengthening the central spine took time, yet Dylan Leiva and Marcelo Djalo have established themselves as the anchors at the back. They are recognized as the leaders in the defense, consistently solid from the start and throughout recent matches. In the most recent game, one of them played the full 90 minutes against Cartagena B, underscoring their importance in solidifying the backline. The growing minutes and steady performances help prevent a slip in form during the year and ensure there is no vulnerability to exploit.
The engine room of Hercules shows a similar early certainty. Sergio Marcos, the only player in the current squad with Premier League experience, is expected to be the beacon of the side. He started on the bench in the latest matches but delivered when called upon, completing full halves and contributing to the team’s tempo and rhythm. His presence on the field anchors Rodríguez’s plans and provides a link between defense and attack that can drive the team forward.
On the wings and in attack, Victor Villacanas stands out for his versatility. The midfielder joined mid-season last year with Intercity and now aims to become a central figure in the Mavi Beyaz project. He started all five friendlies, demonstrating the capacity to line up in multiple roles and contributing to the team’s offensive and defensive balance. His ability to adapt makes him a valuable asset to Rodríguez’s tactical mix, offering flexible options as the season unfolds.
Behind these core figures, Rodríguez has several viable options to complete the starting shape. On the right flank, captain Raúl Ruiz is expected to feature prominently, though Víctor Eimil also contests the position. Up front, Jack Harper and Ander Vitoria shared significant action during the friendlies, with Harper finding the back of the net in the match against Alcoyano. Those early performances hint at potential chemistry and on-field understanding that can be developed further as the league campaign approaches.
The spine remains the most dynamic area to monitor. Rodríguez has assembled a mix of players with varied traits, including Sergio Marcos, Villacañas, César Moreno, Toscano, Manu Navarro, Maxi Ribero, and Cedrés. Added to the mix are the realities of injuries and new signings that may close gaps as the squad presses toward the season. Hercules’ ambition centers on building a cohesive unit from this core, able to respond to the pace and pressure of competitive fixtures and push for a promotion that aligns with the club’s objectives.
In the broader context, this preseason phase is about more than tactics. It is about establishing an identity that translates into consistency, confidence, and resilience on game day. The coaching staff is focused on creating a squad that can adapt to different opponents while maintaining a strong defensive base, a reliable goalkeeper, and a dynamic attacking plan. The players know that every session and every minute of play contributes to the shared goal of climbing the table and competing at a higher level. For fans and analysts, the signal is clear: Hercules is laying the groundwork for a promising season, with a clear blueprint and the pieces in place to execute it.
This approach is reflected in the careful management of workload and the emphasis on integrating acquisitions into a fluid system. The group is expected to grow together through repeated rounds, building mutual trust and understanding as the calendar advances. With the foundation in place and a strategic vision guiding each training session, the team aims to translate preseason momentum into real results as the league matches begin.
In the end, the preseason is about more than results. It is about constructing a sustainable framework that can sustain success across a grueling campaign. Hercules faces the coming months with a clear mission, a defined core, and a plan to turn potential into progression. The journey starts now, with the backbone taking shape and the team ready to prove its intent on the field. This enduring focus on development, teamwork, and tactical clarity marks the path toward a successful season for Hercules.
Attribution: Club reports and match summaries. Citations available upon request.