Hercules will test the block before welcoming the free token
Hercules faces a challenging stretch as the season unfolds, with a dozen league matches ahead and a track record on synthetic surfaces that tests their resolve. The upcoming clash at a municipal arena signals a pivotal moment: the team must prove its resilience on artificial turf if it hopes to break into a more stable position in the standings. The venue, Formentera Municipal Camp, has become a focal point for evaluating how well Hercules adapts when the ball and bounces behave differently from natural grass. This Sunday marks the start of a sequence that could define the club’s fortunes for the remainder of the campaign.
Pedro Rojas
Hercules needs strong results to secure a clear finish in the regular season. That outcome would offer a decisive step toward escaping the bottom tier of the league and moving toward a more competitive level. To achieve this, the team must sustain a steady flow of wins, showing consistency on the astroturf as well as on grass when the schedule demands travel and adjustments. The debate around surfaces remains a talking point among supporters and coaches alike, influencing squad planning and tactical choices.
8 MATCHES
Hercules played on synthetic turf last year
► Failed to win until the fourth start. In the first three games, they got two defeats and one draw.
11 POINTS
Added to 24 possible carpet related conflicts
► We lost more than half of the points, including three points from Formentera. It also crashed with Terrassa and Ebro.
3 GAINS
Succeeded on artificial turf throughout the course
► Hercules managed to win at Sagunto (2-3), Badalona (0-1) and Ebro (0-1). Draws in El Prat and Manresa.
In the prior season, the Alicante club toured grassless venues eight times. The first win did not arrive until late in the cycle. In the top three, nine points were gathered. Ángel Rodríguez’s project tied with El Prat but later fell to Formentera (2-1) and Terrassa (3-1).
With these averages, the chances of finishing as champions look slim unless the team racks up impressive results on the remaining surfaces. The turning point came with a road victory on the astroturf in Sagunto, followed by wins at Sagunto and Ebro, all achieved with compact defense and efficient finishing. The team’s ability to adapt to different fields became crucial as the schedule pressed on and the margins for error narrowed.
These unexpectedly tight results gave Hercules reason to believe a late push for the playoffs could be within reach, but resources were limited and the coaching staff faced the tough task of managing a squad through a demanding calendar. The uneven surface play played a role, yet the team pressed on with the momentum it could muster, staying focused on the long view rather than quick fixes.
The record on artificial turf remained negative for many teams that share a similar profile to Hercules, with a tendency to struggle on surfaces that lack natural irrigation, expose roots, or require meticulous maintenance. The season’s statistics reflected a pattern where the grassless fields contributed to scoring chances being uneven and rebounds unpredictable, a factor that influenced coaching decisions and player preparation.
Thirteen years of fruitless search for a model of success
Pedro Rojas
Yet there was a turning point when Rico Pérez’s leadership created a different dynamic for the squad. Players discovered they could cope with the hardness of the surface and the varied bounce with composure. The training camp shifted toward preparing for conditions like those on the island, with sessions on pitches that approximate the tough, sometimes uneven terrain they would encounter. The plan emphasized steady, controlled work rather than drastic modifications, aiming to reduce risk at the season’s outset. The training approach was consistent, with players operating at a steady pace while coaches monitored adaptation and avoided early overexertion. Several athletes were held back due to muscle strain, but the team maintained a disciplined rhythm through Fontcalent’s facilities, balancing intensity with recovery.