Despite a less than stellar performance last Sunday, Raúl Ruiz remains calm. With only eight league games left, he knows three points are what matter most now. The Hercules captain is gearing up for a tough clash against a direct rival share the same points, Manresa. He feels natural on the wing and has shrugged off lingering injuries, ready for the challenge.
Does the win over Formentera bring comfort to the squad?
Yes, it did. Still, the aim was crystal: win. That result kept them on track for the top five and prevented a longer gap from opening. The team treats every match like a final, especially when every result seems to tilt the standings in a tight race.
One result after another…
When the basics aren’t clicking from the opening whistle and consistency wavers, a season can hinge on a few critical days. This is a moment Hercules must recognize and prepare for, approaching each match as a standalone test with high stakes.
A new clash against a direct opponent is ahead on Sunday…
There have been many head-to-head games this campaign, with mixed fortunes. Still, Ruiz sees value in the experience. Direct confrontations level the pressure for both sides, and the coming days promise a frenetic schedule. The team must start by securing three points against Manresa, a task that will require focus in a crowded and urgent portion of the table.
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Despite the Formentera win, fans are wary of the team’s attacking output. The Sunday performance lacked offensive fluency and control, with several errors in possession and decision-making. Still, there were positives: the defense held firm, a clean sheet that hasn’t been easy to come by, signaling progress in defensive organization. The club will need that balance as the schedule intensifies.
The immediate priority remains gaining points…
Right now, the objective is simple: three points. Playing well matters because it brings teams closer to victory, and that belief underpins the way the squad approaches matches and training alike.
Does the surrounding noise affect the group?
Ruiz notes a high level of concentration within the squad. The team stays anchored, motivated, and ready to work every Sunday, regardless of chatter off the field. That focus is a protective layer against disruption and a driver of consistency on match day.
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Do you sense Sunday’s game as a decisive moment?
Yes, there is a sense of a match ball, especially after the recent results. Since the coach arrived a month ago, the team had strong momentum and clear patterns, though some results were unkind, such as a recent setback against Espanyol B. Teruel’s day also had its disappointments, yet there were moments of opportunity against Mestalla and Peña Deportiva that didn’t convert into points. That stretch tested the mentality, and the successive win was a relief that nudged them closer to their season goal.
What does the matchup in Manresa look like?
Manresa mirrors Peña Deportiva in style and terrain. They execute well in possession and have built chemistry through repetition. The challenge lies in maintaining discipline and exploiting chances when they arise.
Defensive focus will be crucial…
That remains the plan. Paying attention to set pieces and maintaining a high level of concentration will be essential in this particular clash. Ruiz expects a demanding battle that tests every facet of the defense and midfield.
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He took the wing again…
Feeling healthy and strong, the player has responded well to the coaching changes. A three-week spell of discomfort is behind him, and the energy is back. The priority is simple: contribute to the team’s cause, whatever position suits best on the day. The team benefits from his versatility and drive.
Five goals from this position last year…
Ruiz says he feels incredibly comfortable on the flank, having spent a significant amount of time there. The role suits his game, and last season’s workload supports that confidence.
Will the battle for fifth place extend to the final whistle?
That fight will likely continue to the last round. There are numerous direct clashes and the standings are tight. The fourth spot is already out of reach for now due to form, but the goal remains the playoffs. If time allows, they’ll push higher, but the priority stays clear: secure points and keep the dream alive.