After a short break, Hercules returned to training at Fontcalent facilities this Monday, resuming preparations for the season with renewed focus. Following eight days off to address previous issues that impacted the squad, Lolo Escobar now has ample time to fine-tune the roster and get ready for the first challenge of the year, a match against Atlético Saguntino scheduled for January 7 or 8. The team recognizes the road ahead is long and full of uncertainties, but the commitment remains high. Everyone is called back to training, including those who have spent time on the sidelines with injuries, Nico Espinosa, Joan Truyols, Victor Villacañas, and Jack Harper. Hercules Healthcare remains dedicated to the full recovery of each player, with the aim of rejoining the competition as soon as possible. The Alicante youth squad, however, will need a few more weeks before they can rejoin the main squad, as their return depends on ongoing rehabilitation and clearance. The club anticipates the second half of the championship will likely see the youth player reappear, though predicting the exact date remains challenging. The immediate objective is the Saguntino clash, a pivotal game that could spark a comeback and ignite hopes of reaching a promotion playoff position, a gap that currently stands at eight points.
Hercules undisputed
The entire squad has been summoned for the next phase, yet major changes are anticipated during the summer as the club aims to correct prior planning missteps. The organization intends to fight for promotion and has laid out a clear plan to pursue this goal. Five new additions are expected, bringing proven talent to the roster. Coaches Paco Peña and Lolo Escobar will lead the effort to reshape the lineup and restore balance that has been missing. The club faces the reality of contractual obligations and possible player departures, with some negotiations expected to be difficult and, in certain scenarios, requiring the club to honor full contracts. These dynamics will influence how business is conducted in the market as the squad reshapes itself.
What is certain is that two defenders, a forward, and a winger are on the radar. Additional reinforcements will be aligned with market opportunities as they arise. Hercules has already begun the process of moving forward, aiming to secure the first two signings in the opening week of January.
Hercules had to perform an almost perfect second round
The blue and white team under Lolo Escobar faces a must-win mentality, with almost no margin for error if they want to return to competition and contend for promotion. The plan calls for a near-perfect second half of the season and a string of consecutive victories to climb back into the playoff places and secure a spot in the promotion race around Alicante. With two games left in the first half against Atlético Saguntino and Ibiza, the focus is on collecting six points and avoiding the danger zones. Success in these encounters would help rebuild credibility, reinforce confidence, and show that the team can be formidable again after a rocky first round. The club aims to improve every line, raise safety levels, and refresh the atmosphere with a new bench dynamic that offers relief and renewed energy—elements that had been elusive earlier in the season.
The Extremadura coach will grant the squad only one day off in the two-week window before returning to action, and the plan includes several dual-training sessions. The approach is intensive but purposeful, aimed at accelerating recovery and accelerating results as soon as possible.