When Rico Pérez opens the stadium office door, Ander and Marcos are greeted by chaos in the horse yard. They have just changed clothes. The heat presses in as they take the long walk of about a hundred steps toward the press room, heads lowered under the weight of the moment around noon. They note that someone is there to collect fertilizer, and Paco Penais coordinates the recruitment. A warm welcome comes despite the sweat as they wait in line that moves slowly. Inside the air conditioned room, Protocol is questioned, and the initiation for the young player Bravo marks his first time away from home since he began to believe he could make a living playing football.
Shocked by the buzz after the defeat to Orihuela, Ander Victoria steps onto the floor. He speaks of ongoing shooting sessions and the gradual process of getting to know one another. The adaptation period is demanding, yet everyone is eager for the competition to begin. The Basque forward from Hércules remains determined, even though he has yet to find the net.
We faced our worst game of the summer, there were no goals and a red card interrupted play for Dylan Leiva. The setback should serve as a wake up call, but not overstate its importance, according to the Basque striker.
reasons
It is as common as the Mediterranean drought to hear about Hércules being signed for the club’s rich history. Yet it stands that this club has penned glorious chapters in the First League. The new forward speaks of loving the challenge of scoring for a club with a passionate fanbase. He describes it as a bittersweet feeling to find the back of the net when the stands are empty, and he thrives under the pressure of the supporters. He joined Alicante after a win at Barakaldo, with a history that includes storied stints at Logroñés and Culture and Sports Leonesa, where he scored ten goals last season.
“Those who play in my position are no longer judged by goals alone. Scoring is everyone’s business, and now we must do a thousand other things.”
He explains that his focus isn’t solely on finding the net. Strikers now shoulder a broader load, from pressing to defending. The role has shifted in modern football to a collective responsibility, says the Igorre striker who will be active in May at 33 after a season with many games in the first RFEF.
“It’s tough to score in front of empty stands. I crave the energy of the crowd.”
Football has taught him a lot about perseverance. The key lesson is that success comes from suffering as a team, maintaining compactness, and making opponents fear the collective effort. He has shared promotions and difficult campaigns where unity made the difference. The emphasis is clear: the effort must be collective and relentless.
For him, staying in shape is a challenge. He remains calm, believing that improvement will come with time and trust. The aim is to start strong and prove himself in training and matches.
“I’ve always been a winger, but now I feel more like a winger who can contribute beyond pure crossing. Defending and attacking—both matter.”
When the moment comes, Bravo speaks with conviction. He arrived late but was welcomed as family, and he describes the atmosphere as exceptional. A teammate who left the core of the squad for the first time shares the sentiment of belonging and unity.
His career has taken him to higher levels, and after a recent promotion to the first team, he has learned to adapt his position. He has embraced the more versatile role on the flank, accepting the extra work that comes with the change. A Madrid native, he has faced plenty of challenges, including a strong first season in the first RFEF.
“If leaving home is necessary, it’s to give one hundred percent, to work, and to grow as a person and as a footballer.”
He knows he faces stiff competition from top players and acknowledges that the decision was about offering full commitment and personal growth. He is focused on the present and on what he can control as the league begins.
Maxi: “Seeing 4,000 people cheer for Hercules in a summer friendly puts you in your place.”
Reportage continues as the scene shifts to the stands, where the roar of a sizeable crowd makes the players feel seen and valued.
Queue of supporters and a long wait for the Hercules manure
The atmosphere around the club is buzzing with the energy of fans and locals alike. The waiting lines stretch and resilience becomes part of the day’s rhythm as everyone waits for the next update from the team. This moment captures the heartbeat of a club that blends tradition with ambition, a frontline symbol for the city and its people.