Hercules opts for Torrecilla over Lolo Escobar
The future at Hercules remains unsettled as the club navigates a tense standoff surrounding its coach. Although the current contract with Lolo Escobar remains intact, the club has not terminated talks with him. Behind the scenes, a deal with Rubén Torrecilla to take charge of the blue-and-white team is poised to redefine the bench. Hercules demands compensation if Escobar leaves, insisting on a fair price rather than a free departure, while Algeciras explores alternatives should the situation escalate further. The notion of releasing Escobar without payment is seen as destabilizing for Hercules, and the club seeks to leverage any urgency from the coach to influence the market. Torrecilla, for his part, anticipates the moment when his appointment is announced so he can lay out a comprehensive plan for a season already marked by early shocks. [Citation: regional sports report]
The clash between Hercules and Lolo Escobar has evolved into a strategic chess game where both sides aim to stay measured and methodical. The Alicante club asserts that compensation is required for Escobar’s departure, arguing the environment’s pressure contributed to his desire to leave. Hercules is prepared to manage the timeline and test Algeciras’ appetite for a replacement coach, capitalizing on any delay to their advantage. [Citation: club statements]
In the wake of the decision, Hercules moved decisively, striking a deal with Torrecilla that left little room for improvisation. The coach, born in Palencia, guided Castellón in the First Federation last season and was dismissed despite the team sitting near the top of the table. His track record also includes a three-season stint with Granada’s reserve side and short forays managing the first team. This background is expected to contribute to a structured pre-season plan as the club pivots toward a more stable leadership. [Citation: coaching history overview]
As two weeks remain before the official start of pre-season, Hercules fans watch closely for updates on the bench. The club’s social channels buzz with speculation as supporters await a decision that could end the current uncertainty and allow planning for a strong campaign aimed at promotion. The season preview teams up with the player roster discussions, with scouts and staff already mapping the calendar of friendlies and training blocks designed to build cohesion under the forthcoming leadership. [Citation: fan and media coverage]
Meanwhile, the proposed transition affects the roster-building process. Hercules has already signed five players — Josema Gómez, Marcos Mendes, Alfonso Candelas, Carlos de la Nava, and Roger Colomina — in addition to renewals for Sergio Molina and Carlos Abad. The club expects to finalize roughly a dozen additional contracts as the summer window progresses. Pre-season sessions begin on the 20th, followed by medical and fitness evaluations on the 24th, aligning with Escobar’s timetable for departure or renewal. Torrecilla and his coaching team are expected to review these plans and adjust as needed to ensure a smooth transition. A broader sports plan is in motion to strengthen the squad structure and the calendar of friendly matches, with tickets for the upcoming season anticipated in early August as in the previous year. [Citation: transfer updates]