Lolo Escobar reassures that Hercules has a tough road ahead as the team presses to move up to the top division and chase promotion, echoing the challenging comeback he steered in recent weeks from relegation to higher standings.
“Everything has been hard since I took the helm at Hercules”, commented the Extremaduran coach, who is eager to see how the squad stacks up against direct rivals and reveal the true level of the team.
The coach has added 17 points from 21 possible since arriving. He insisted he is not afraid of a positive run ending, but expressed concern that Hercules must keep playing well and maintain form during their visit to Espanyol this Sunday, a direct rival to the squad.
“We do not dwell on the current streak. They will end at some point. What matters is the team keeps delivering and playing with intent. That is what sustains momentum over time. We will face Espanyol B on Sunday and we will respect them. They are a subsidiary, but we are in good shape too and we need a strong game to claim three points.”
“Jean Paul should recognize the value of playing for Hercules”
The coach recalls each challenge faced in these matches: “We lost nine in the first game, won 2-0 at Sagunto, and that is why we keep adding points. It seems every week a tougher game awaits. Every match is demanding, a very demanding group. I was pleasantly surprised by the level shown and I believe there are still many tests ahead.”
Escobar emphasized that there is plenty of room for improvement within the squad. “I would like to end a game with a confident finish so my mark looks solid because right now Hercules is fighting to survive. We handle the pressure well and find oxygen from anywhere. We want quick results, but there are still sessions to prepare a team. We demand results and speed, but it takes time. I think there is a long way to go before Hercules reaches the level I envision for the club.”
Hercules CF | In Lolo Escobar’s mind
Pedro Rojas
The case of Jean Paul, who faced discipline for training with the B team, was clear. “I speak with him nearly every day. It is my way of staying confident and ensuring he has time to reflect on the value of earning a spot in the first team. For a young player, being at Hercules is a real opportunity. Sometimes we lose perspective and forget the rewards. I wanted him to train with the B team again and appreciate what he has, which is remarkable for someone his age. Three red cards in one season are a lot, and players should know that such actions can derail a career and affect offers. His growth is stunted when he is criticized unjustly, so I must make sure this doesn’t happen again. After all, the moments in a season are when a player needs to be in peak form, and we want him to appear in seven or eight matches in the best position possible. Until then, everyone must be at full capacity, including Jean Paul.”
The coach was pleased that nearly the entire squad is available and noted that the team has not conceded a goal in recent games, though he did not see that as the main priority. “In this sport, the team that scores another goal wins. A clean slate does not guarantee victory, so I prefer to keep pushing for more goals. Scoring is how points are earned, and that is the mindset for our approach.”
Hercules CF | Lolo Escobar on Ángel Rodríguez’s work
Pedro Rojas
Escobar downplayed the idea of a peak stretch from the club’s recent success, preferring to focus on sustaining the physical tone shown in the final months of the season. He noted a shift in training and overall preparation that emphasizes balance and durability.
“I don’t chase peak form. We adjust with nutrition and weight management. The team has built more muscle and reduced fat.” He added, “Decisions will be made with clarity. I will rotate and bring in the best players each week to secure wins. Ander Vitoria and Sergio Marcos are available for selection and will contribute. The core message is simple: the strongest players earn their spots.”
“The work is hard and the task remains tough”
When asked about Hercules being among the top rookie coaches of this era, Escobar brushed it off. “Flicking makes you soft, and I do not want to slack in the current situation. Everything looks good, but I am focused on what each training session shows and what the players communicate. That is what gives me confidence and motivates me. The small wins we achieve as a group matter more than any personal records.”