Fear remains an instinctual force that spurs caution and, if ignored, can upend plans. The gap between years away from professional football and the present can feel like a long, heavy reminder of what was left behind. The preseason struggles seen by Hercules in recent seasons have amplified concerns, and the first draft of this campaign reflects that uneasy moment. Ruben Torrecilla has overseen a third match in Alicante’s second RFEF campaign, shaping a period of testing and adjustment.
Screening rules out Alvarito’s serious ankle injury
Three goals in six games, two losses, three wins, and a forthcoming clash against Atlético Baleares from a higher level all culminated in a penalty shootout after the 90 minutes, with the score staying level in the friendly.
In competition, ten points from eighteen is not alarming by itself. Yet the recurring issue is clear: the lack of finishing from the forwards has haunted the team for more than five years. None of the first-team attackers found the back of the net in the latest run, even when space opened for a late effort by the young forward Augustín Coscia, who came on in the second half against the Balearic side for just under half an hour.
TWO FRIENDS
This week sees the final stretch of pre-season as Hercules prepares for two more friendly matches. After a midday return from Palma, the squad resumed training at Fontcalent following a rest, with plans to face Torrellano on Wednesday (23 August) at 7:30 PM. The preparation will close with a single match at the Isabel Fernández municipal ground, and Saturday (26) the Rico Pérez stadium hosts UCAM at 20:00 as the competitive season begins.
Hercules celebrated three goals this summer, two from a young defender and another from the youth ranks, delivering two wins that kept the team in second place for the moment.
The issue of finishing aside, the emphasis is on tactical discipline. The coaching staff, especially those with a proven track record, builds from a solid defensive base, focusing on ball progression, clean transitions, and reliable positioning for offensive sequences. In that regard, Hercules appears calm, even if the results don’t always show it yet.
Only two goals conceded so far, both from the penalty spot and both saved by the goalkeeper. The blue-and-white outfit has managed to shield its draw potential, and the staff’s work on defensive organization is evident as the season opens.
Agustin Coscia, scoring solution for Hercules
With the plan still being clarified, Torrecilla’s priorities are clear: compact block, intense pressing, and rapid ball recovery after losses. The approach, while straightforward in theory, poses a challenge in execution. For now, the Alicante squad has faced a mix of opponents, ranging from local clubs to tougher tests such as Alcoyano, Santa Pola, Águilas, AFE Sessions, Cartagena B, and Atlético Baleares.
The market activity remains restrained, with the focus on players under 23 who can strengthen the squad without compromising the core structure. The priority highlighted is a left-back competing with a current option, but the long-term plan remains adaptable as the season progresses.