The list is long and discouraging. There are many similar expressions. Hércules stands as the lone winter champion who did not advance to the Second RFEF; the sole Alicante team in group 3 to miss promotion to the First Federation; the only club to fail to move up a division while hosting a promotion match; and the only recently relegated player in football’s archives who did not climb to the first, second, or third tier. There are more examples, and they all carry a sense of disappointment. The club tends to be the exception that confirms the rule, and the reaction is almost always negative. Now Hércules has begun a new path, one that could, with time, reflect the same level of distinction it once showed in Lleida.
SYSTEM
It has young talent rather than “glorious” backgrounds.
Hércules can break the inertia of very modest competition. The team learned to adjust to obstacles without letting them define the game. This endurance, this persistence, is what carries the squad when plans falter. What remains when the initial plan falters is the safety net, a reliable antidote to bad luck, always present, unshaken, and ready to compete whether the players want it or not. Ruben Torrecilla built a cohort of players who not only believed in him but also reached their potential. Sergio Mora, among others, contributed to that belief, but above all, the players trusted themselves and demonstrated it in a healthy, constructive way. People who get along well, who are willing and determined, put in the hours and return to the pitch with a high standard of discipline. This is always the first step. Mental and physical strength can no longer be separated. In every competition, those two equally powered elements are needed for success to happen on the field.
A CLEAR IDEA
And the appropriate players to put it into practice.
It may seem straightforward and realistic, yet this is almost always the first thing to misalign in transfer markets. Players have interests that are not purely athletic. Personal whims, financial obligations with agencies, premonitions, eyeing a particular club, past disappointments, and friendships that suddenly become relevant all influence decisions. There are many reasons a footballer can enter a dressing room, but there remains one essential criterion: alignment with the coach’s game plan. The coach must be crystal clear about the destination and the expectations placed on every player.
With Torrecilla, Hércules found a professional who proves effective, who used a proven playing model and refined it with components that fit the original concept, without forcing changes. Transforming every player into a pure attacker never works. He brings patience, a teaching mindset, and a knack for keeping his team engaged without wasting time with irrelevant anecdotes. He continually pursues ways for his players to learn from him, ensuring messages are clearly conveyed and understood. When intermediaries intrude, messages can distort and quality can suffer. His leadership emphasizes direct communication and accountability.
QUALITY TIME
Fewer training days, but more intense.
The Extremaduran coach does not fear rest; it is not a sign of weakness if players disconnect for two and a half days from time to time. What matters is the quality of the session when the team is together. If the players respond to a higher workload, it can be wise to push forward, even if that means longer blocks of training on occasion. This city demands a careful balance, so it is essential to know exactly the profile being built when assembling the squad. With Daniel Romera, the coach acknowledged a risk, but time showed that Roma might not be ready to handle the financial demands placed on Ceuta’s reserve striker.
INVENT… WITH A BASE
Best at their job… almost always.
The Hércules coach crafted a midfield approach that seemed misaligned for the lower tier, yet the plan revealed some strategic depth. His belief in pressure and possession led to a compact, effective formation. It looked straightforward, yet it required nuance, especially as the team integrated players from varied backgrounds. The balance came from a pair of central players who complemented each other, while a third midfielder helped maintain structure. The sacrifice came in subtle ways, as one winger found his role evolving, staying connected with teammates and contributing to the overall effort. The result was a cohesive unit, with every position informed by a shared understanding and a clear sense of purpose.
The coach did not cling to a single idea; he adjusted and reallocated responsibilities among players to maintain balance. The blend of experience and youth created a dynamic that kept everyone focused on the shared objective. This approach required discipline, resilience, and a willingness to adapt on the fly, qualities that can define a successful run in the lower divisions.
5 PLAYERS
They left the team after the Christmas break
► Three of them are on loan, César Moreno (Mestalla), Rafa De Palmas and Jean Paul N’Djoli (both to Alcoyano) and nearby David Lopez-Guerrero along with forward Salah leaving under the freedom clause. [Citation: Team movements recorded in club reports and match-day disclosures]