It has become a Friday ritual for a team still searching for its identity after 27 league games. The looming possibility of Hercules finishing the promotion race as a unit on Sunday sits alongside the ongoing clash with the leaders, Terrassa and the surge of teams ahead like Manresa and Formentera.
►TIME CHANGE: The blue and whites shifted their Sunday schedule to Rico Pérez, a decision made four months later to escape the worst of the heat and to protect the turf from drying under the sun. Yet the coach warns that the change may carry side effects this week.
«Playing in the late slot (18:00) is a double-edged blade. On one hand, the heat wave helps us, on the other, the pressure shifts depending on how previous results land. Still, the will to win remains strong. We expect the air to cool, which should speed up the ball and favor our game. We can’t afford nerves now; that wouldn’t help,» Escobar noted.
►MORE CHALLENGES FOR ANDER: A sense of resignation and lingering doubt about the Basque striker’s form persists, as his professional reputation remains in question. “When a player isn’t in form or meeting professional standards, he won’t even be granted an interview. Players rise and fall on their own; the coach isn’t calling the shots here. Sunday will reveal what we need to know. It isn’t a 20-goal forward situation, and our forwards haven’t been contributing as needed. The solution must come from within the squad,” he said, leaving the door open for an invitation. With the visit of the defending Kings League champion goalkeeper José Juan Torrellano this afternoon (4:00 PM), the atmosphere remains tense.
Hercules CF: Descent Speed
Pedro Rojas
►BETTER NOT COUNT ON GOALS: Despite a visible lull in attacking pace over the last seven weeks, the numbers still pile up in favor of the team, and Escobar faces the narrow gap that remains.
«You can’t open a season with a clean ledger in this division. It’s about staying updated, not chasing perfection. We’ve stumbled more than expected, but the fight continues. Wins and losses don’t guarantee anything because every team wrestles with the same challenges. The player who stays calm and shows resolve will carry the day,» he stated.
►SEARCHING FOR BALANCE: Badajoz’s coach shares the same struggle in trying to mold Hercules into a reliable unit. “We are seeking balance. We conceded too much while attacking, and now the defense looks tighter and goals are harder to come by. We lack a forward presence, so the plan is to adjust during the competition and test different approaches.” The coach vented his frustration, 14 days into the new phase.
►A PUNT DOCUMENTARY: A regional program showcased a documentary exploring Hercules CF’s long history. According to Don Benito’s trainer, the experience was deeply satisfying. “Watching the documentary makes you realize the size of the club we all belong to. The staff remains determined to reach our goal, no matter the sacrifices. The team shows motivation and confidence that they can finish the week in the top five,” said Lolo.
Hercules CF | Goal Drought Fever
Pedro Rojas
►BACK IN THE STANDS: Players and coaches agree that the tension around the club was downplayed this week. Focus narrowed, and supporters were thanked for their loyalty, even while the team remains distant from the financial investments made.
“I don’t expect special treatment from the fans, and I won’t ask for more. They’ve given us more than we’ve given them so far. This isn’t the moment to demand anything. It’s time to fight, to stay with us until the final whistle for the goal. Rico Pérez will not let us down in the playoffs,” Lolo Escobar said in a conciliatory tone.
►SHOT AT GOALS: Terrassa beat them 3-1 at their stadium in the first match. Restoring the average for the Catalans remains challenging but not impossible. “The goal average is in our minds. We must think about it, fight everyone for it, because everything hinges on this detail. Tomorrow promises a balanced game. Our defense relies on three central players. We may be sinking at times, but we will watch a brave, competitive match, for Terrassa has many good things and skilled players.”
►UP AND DOWN: Hercules receives a boost from Cesar Moreno (even without playing full 90 minutes); doubts about Diego Jimenez persist, while injuries to Nico Espinosa and Jack Harper linger. Christian Cedrés remains sanctioned (he is the fourth of five penalties handed by the referee).