It isn’t the same, it doesn’t move in the same way, and everyone knows the project impacts the team’s game differently. Yet the resolve remains strong. He cares deeply about the club, and when crushing defeats shake the stadium he has always dreamed of playing in, tears flow. Raúl Ruiz’s passion is undeniable, but reaching the playoffs requires more than identity; it demands sustained effort. The captain understands that the sacred canvas must be respected, even if barely enough at times.
“For the holy face, all we want is to play the game on the next Sunday. We’re still alive, and a win over Zaragoza B would bring us very close to our goal. If we take three more points on Monday, the outlook could change dramatically,” he warns.
It hurts to lose such a heavy match against an Olot side that nearly faced elimination in the qualifiers. “The team showed real character on Sunday and has learned from it so far. We’ve already proven this year that we can survive tough situations. We believe in our strength, and there’s still a lot to do because we’re closer than it seems,” says Hercules’ captain, convinced of the squad’s resilience.
“It’s normal for disappointed fans to vent after a game, but they didn’t stop cheering and standing by us.”
“We don’t know what triggers the irregular results, this lack of consistency. It’s something we must address ourselves. We need to regain our momentum after the managerial change. But we should keep our focus on the present, avoid distractions, and give everything in this market window,” warns the Alicante-based footballer.
“Outside the dressing room, the pessimism is not shared by the team or the goal setters inside. Yes, we faltered at home against a lower-ranked opponent, but the anger and frustration from Tuesday night are behind us. We believe in our quality and that hard work will pay off,” says Raúl, who distributes responsibilities without bias.
“No one on the squad could have imagined we’d be this far from the leader at this point.”
“This won’t be a message from veterans alone. Every player is trained in this mindset. Those who have worn this shirt the longest should set an example, push harder, and show teamwork. The shield is a privilege, not a burden. Nobody dreams of playing football without fans, without pressure, and without the struggle at the highest level,” he admits. Ruiz also acknowledged the growing protests from the stands.
Hercules CF | Raúl Ruiz: A Wasted Bullet?
Pedro Rojas
“The anger from our people is understandable. The feelings we conveyed before the Olot match weren’t good. They spoke up when we needed the fans, and they stood by us through the game. If a day comes when we deserve the wrath, we’ll take it and do whatever’s needed to turn things around. It makes sense if it’s someone you care about; we showed the team can respond, and the fans stayed loyal,” he explains after the match.
“We were hurt by losses to stronger opponents when we were better, so we won’t look beyond the next game.”
“None of us could have predicted this stage of the season would be so unsettled. Not even a change on the bench could change the course overnight. We played good football but couldn’t sustain it on crucial days, and losses we didn’t deserve, like the Espanyol B game, weighed on us. Still, there’s no justification for the ups and downs this season,” agrees Michel, a locker room leader, along with Tuscany and Carlos Abad.
Behavior
“This isn’t about tension or lack of effort. We fell short because we believed this was our moment to lead. It hurt, and that’s obvious,” says Raúl Ruiz, now in his fifth season with Hercules.
The captain notes that while his assists and five goals for Sergio Mora, the 33-year-old winger who rejoined the squad last year, haven’t matched last year’s level, Mora remained a key contributor. “I’m honest with myself. It was a good year so far, but I couldn’t reach the peak I showed last season. I’m self-critical about my performance, and if my future isn’t here next year, I’ll accept it.”
For Raúl Ruiz, quitting is not an option. “Things will improve or worsen for me, but I won’t stop fighting. I’m lucky to play for my team in my hometown. We’re very much alive, and the goal remains within reach. But we shouldn’t look past Sunday; that path has always been the tricky one.”
Prayers to the Holy Face and candles for the Virgin Mary
The tradition held. Hercules presented two bouquets to San Faz yesterday to honor the eve of the Pilgrim. The club’s representative, always involved, led the respectful ceremony along with coaches, players, and the sports director.
For many in the temple, this pre-pilgrimage moment may be the only religious observance they attend this season beyond weddings, baptisms, and confirmations. Everyone listened as parish priest Miguel Ángel Cremades and the blue-and-white priest Joaquín López spoke, wishing the team success after a nearly universal show of support.
Two of the captains, Raul Ruiz and Michel Herrero, carried the bouquets to the altar as a tribute to the Holy Relic, marking a special day for the club. When the priest signaled everyone to leave in peace, the group exited in orderly fashion. Some members lingered, while others left quickly. Nico Espinosa, Exhibition Molina, and Paco chose to pause at a side altar with candles for the Virgin, their faith steady even as a difficult Sunday in Zaragoza looms, promising little sweetness in the days ahead. A few children even asked for photos with the players as the square emptied out.