Hercules coach Lolo Escobar spoke at a recent press conference, describing the club’s current wins as fuel that powers every level of the team. He expressed a clear wish to close the year with a victory on Saturday on the Alzira field, as reported by APunt.
Escobar, who earned a win in his first match with the team after a 3-1 triumph over Deportivo Aragón, highlighted the positive mood inside the squad this week. He emphasized that his focus remains on the upcoming game rather than the standings.
While acknowledging that more time is needed for his plan to take full shape, he appreciated the added nuance in the style he wants to instill. He noted that his distinctive approach would become evident through training sessions and ongoing work with the group. He also mentioned that the Christmas break would be beneficial, allowing the team to return with a stronger edge and that they should show more progress after the holidays, but for now they must compete and stay as competitive as last Saturday. He added that performing well gives a better chance of winning than playing poorly.
First and foremost, his goal is simple: to win. He explained that while every team has energy, victory comes from playing well and executing with purpose.
In a moment captured with captains Toscano, Míchel, Raúl Ruiz and Nico Espinosa alongside the coach, Escobar reflected on the upcoming challenge. The image was shared by Caesar Hernandez on Thursday.
Regarding the Alzira match, Escobar described the opponent as a strong challenger at home, supported by key players for the division. He noted that Alzira is formidable at their venue and in good form as a result of a managerial change that has sparked continued growth. He spoke warmly about players he admires and has known for a long time, acknowledging their capacity to cause damage in the league. The coach avoided locking himself into any midfield lineup decisions, stating he will always select the best possible team based on the pitch, the opponent, and the weather. He stressed that quality players perform differently on a muddy surface and that he feels more at ease when visiting a pitch like Alzira’s that resembles their daily training ground. He also suggested that Hercules fans in attendance would add extra motivation and that as many players as possible would get minutes under his guidance.
Jean Paul and Dani Marine were named in the starting lineup, and Escobar did not glance past the next day, noting that the league schedule this Saturday would be the focal point for the team. He expressed a hope that three points would be secured and that a large number of fans would rally behind the cause. He underscored that for him the league concludes on Saturday and that other considerations, such as the current position in the table, were not the focus at that moment.
The bravery of the warrior Jean Paul
Pedro Rojas
Escobar did not overlook the inclusion of domestic players in the squad. He confirmed Dani Marine and Jean Paul as part of the starting team and kept his attention on the immediate horizon, prioritizing the upcoming match above all else. He stated that the game would come and go, and there would be time to think about it afterward.
He voiced a wish that three points would be earned and that as many Hercules supporters as possible would be able to share in the triumph. He spoke about the significance of the match for the club and insisted that the league would effectively end on Saturday, leaving no room for distraction from the standings at that moment.
Christmas toast
Hercules held its traditional Christmas toasts on Thursday, gathering representatives from the first team, grassroots football, Paralympic Hercules, the women’s division, and the Veterans Association. The event took place in the waiting area of Rico Pérez. The club president offered the closing words, extending holiday wishes and hoping for continued professional and sporting successes in the year ahead.