Hercules is entering the final preparations for the new year with a decisive clash against Atlético Saguntino. The crucial duel kicks off at noon this Sunday as the team battles for position in the standings. The blue and white squad is pushing hard during the mid-season window, aiming to add four new players while also letting others go. Lolo Escobar notes that market activity can unsettle a locker room, but remains confident that the process is healthy for the club. “I’m alert because the market always stirs things up, and you must be ready for what could happen, but I’m happy with how things are evolving. These 15 days have gone really well for us, including a double session. We won’t rush decisions; we have a plan and we will stick to it. If something doesn’t fit, we pivot and pursue a better option. We won’t force anything or sign someone just to fill a spot. It would help to have more height for Sunday’s game. A full squad is essential for a tough mission on this field in Sagunto, but we won’t rush or sign anyone who isn’t convincing or worth it.”
Rico Pérez will play a key role in Hercules’ response and return
Caesar Hernandez
“The market closes on the 31st, and until then we will pursue the best options that fit us and provide real competition. Escobar prefers measured progress, focusing on injuries and availability first. There are various targets across different positions, and we will move forward calmly without missteps. Getting this winter market right can set the team up for a strong second half”, the coach explained.
The coach chose not to reveal specific targets, saying, “I want to double up on players by position. I won’t hint because it wouldn’t help the player who has to compete on Sunday to know if we will sign his spot. Winter market moves shake up the locker room significantly, and everything should be handled discreetly. I won’t air the market because it can hurt the team.”
Hercules CF: January nerves and expectations
Pedro Rojas
“I’m very pleased because there is trust in the process. Every incoming or outgoing name is reviewed with the entire sports staff. We all stay informed. The coaching team has a strong voice in the decisions”, he said. He outlined Sunday’s game plan: “I expect a battle in Sagunto. The field is small, and it will be a direct confrontation. Saguntino pushes the ball forward more than any other team in the league and leads the aerial duels. They will try to dictate the pace in their comfortable areas, while we look to turn the game the other way around. If we repeat their game, we’ll have little to show for it. We will seek alternatives. It’s a tough match because Saguntino has every weapon to hurt us, but a win could unlock many possibilities for the team.”
It’s a complex test because Saguntino has every weapon to hurt us.
Regarding the comeback aimed at reaching the playoff zone, the coach emphasizes taking it one step at a time: “I have a target in mind, nothing more. If we execute what we must, the points will push us toward our goal. What matters now is three points. We were ten points away from the playoffs when I arrived and now we are eight, but the exact position isn’t the focus. The potential is there, and this match is as important as any others.”
“The 15 days gave the squad a chance to adopt the concept. In the end, competition doesn’t fail, and we’ll see if the team absorbs the approach. I hope I’ve convinced them of what they will face on Sunday”, Escobar concluded.
Truyols, Dylan, Harper, and Nico make their first appearance of the year
Hercules will be short on defense for Sunday’s clash at Atlético Saguntino. Truyols and Dilan are unavailable, with the Argentine defender leaving the stadium on crutches after a knee issue and undergoing medical assessments. The central pairing for the season’s opening match will be Riera and Marín. Nico Espinosa’s return remains uncertain, and Harper’s rehabilitation continues with no fixed timeline for his return.
The Hercules coach also remarked on Rico Pérez’s impact during Wednesday’s Intercity vs Barcelona match, saying it would be a dream to be part of moments like that going forward.
“Alicante lacks professional football, and it would be a dream come true if I could be the one to help make that happen for him.” Escobar said at a press conference.