New signings at Hercules, Victor Villacanas and Cristian Cedres, spoke during their official introduction on Wednesday about a bold objective for the coming season: to win the Second RFEF groups and climb out of the relegation zone. The goal is clear, and the enthusiasm around the club is palpable as the new campaign approaches and excitement builds among supporters in both Canada and the United States who follow Spanish football closely.
Both players come from Intercity, the club they helped promote, and they emphasized the pivotal role of Paco Peña, serving as technical secretary, in convincing them to join Hercules. Peña’s track record and leadership were highlighted as decisive in shaping their decision, underscoring the importance of a strong technical backbone in the project’s early stages.
Stressing that the Hercules project is on the right track after three consecutive preseason wins, Villacañas reflected that the call from Paco Peña came at a moment when he was considering his next step. The new season feels tangible, with plans aligned around a common purpose and a culture of collective effort that could translate into tangible results on the field.
“Draw an exciting year.” Villacañas admitted that he noticed the club’s growing influence and the social support from Hercules fans far more than at his previous club, Intercity, a factor that adds energy to every training session and match day. This warmth from the stands fuels a belief that the team can define its own narrative in a league known for its grit and competitive balance.
“To ascend, we must all go in the same direction, unite, and put our hearts into this shield,” Villacañas explained, framing promotion as a shared mission rather than a solitary ambition. The message was simple but powerful: what looks possible now requires ongoing unity, discipline, and a willingness to sacrifice for the common goal.
Cedrés, for his part, expressed happiness after marking his first appearance with a goal in the 1-0 victory over Castellón, noting that the achievement would provide motivation and confidence for the road ahead. The moment was described as a personal milestone that could serve as a springboard for consistent performances throughout the season.
“I thought nothing of Hercules’ proposal.” The Canary Islands native affirmed that he joined a club with a deep, historic significance, adding that the decision felt natural and timely given the team’s direction and potential. The sense of purpose surrounding Hercules was evident as Cedrés spoke about the club’s identity and its place in regional football culture.
Saying that success will come only if everyone pulls in the same direction, Cedrés noted, “They told me the city was behind the team, but the warmth in the stands surpassed even those expectations.” The lived experience of fans’ support was a recurring theme, reinforcing the perception that Hercules has momentum and broad backing that could sustain momentum in the league.
Hercules creates optimism
Cesar Hernandez
“We understood clearly that we must win every match at home and fight until the end away from home. We have a squad that can challenge for the top, and the path to promotion lies in applying the Intercity model—simple, disciplined, and relentlessly focused on one goal: 1-0 is not enough; the mindset must be 0-0 until victory is secured, and then we celebrate as champions.” That perspective captured the temperament the team aims to cultivate: a relentless pursuit of results with a steady, measured approach that keeps players grounded yet ambitious.
Ángel Rodríguez expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance against Castellón at Rico Pérez on Tuesday. He highlighted the progress shown in ball possession and tempo, noting that the side looked more composed when the play was meaningful and purposeful. The coach emphasized the need to define a clear style from the outset, laying a foundation that can translate into consistent performances as the season unfolds. The club’s leadership has outlined a plan that blends tactical clarity with a cultural emphasis on unity and resilience, a combination that could translate into tangible results for fans across North America who are watching from afar and cheering for a return to higher tiers of competition.