Hércules defender Roger Riera, who will miss the upcoming match against Olot after the club’s appeal failed following his dismissal at Lleida, stated yesterday that every game since he joined the Alicante squad this season has felt like a final. He noted that this level of pressure is not new to him, recalling his time at Barcelona where demanding moments were common, even with younger players. He emphasized that Hércules should have been a frontrunner from the very first match day and that every week demands the same intensity.
With the Lleida victory, the team navigated a delicate moment and held onto optimism for the path ahead.
Every week brings its own test, and the focus remains on playing at the highest level possible. The belief is that stronger performances translate into closer chances of victory.
They have learned to treat each week as a final, a mindset carried since the second matchday after joining the squad. The aim is to lead from the opening whistle, not wait for later milestones.
Pressure is a reality in clubs like Hércules. The player recalled his experiences at Barcelona, where even a youth squad faced intense expectations and tournaments demanded wins. Hércules is no stranger to that same atmosphere.
Roger Riera is much more than a defender for Hércules
In discussing the club’s recent dynamics, the defender highlighted the ongoing challenge of turning every match into a meaningful test. The goal remains playoff qualification, with Olot standing out as a tough test due to their compact squad and advanced style of play. Hércules, fresh off two consecutive victories, recognizes the difficulty of the upcoming encounter and the need to perform at a consistently high level.
The calendar shows three of the next five games at home, a factor players see as an opportunity to maximize points on familiar ground at Rico Pérez. The objective is clear: press forward and keep the team in the best possible position, with Olot first on the list.
Discussions about the Lleida match touched on the role of refereeing decisions and the emotional weeks that followed. The emphasis remained on respect for officials and a shared understanding that outcomes in football can hinge on tense moments. Despite missing the upcoming clash, the focus is on supporting teammates and preparing for the challenges ahead.
Missing such a significant match is never easy, yet the squad recognizes the high stakes for everyone involved. The plan is to maintain a strong work ethic and show resilience in the face of adversity as the season progresses.
Olot represents a challenging test. The club from Deportivo Aragón showed a footballing brand that Hércules expects to encounter on a big field, and the squad anticipates that Olot will push hard to assert its lead and create chances. The plan is to approach the game with a similar intensity and a readiness to adapt to an expansive setting.
Hércules clings to Riera to survive
Three of the next five fixtures are at home, a scenario the team believes favors their game plan. Playing at home is preferable to travel, as players know the Ric Pérez stadium and its possibilities. The aim is to collect as many points as possible to stay in close contention, starting with Olot and followed by the remaining matches.
The Lleida phase brought tense weeks, and although refereeing decisions were a part of the discourse, the emphasis remains on mutual respect and a focus on the next challenge rather than dwelling on past disputes. The club’s leadership and players are aligned in pursuing consistency and fair competition.
The loss of a key match weighs heavy, but it is accepted as part of the sport. The players understand the stakes for everyone involved and strive to move forward with a disciplined mindset while respecting the decisions that officials must make during competitive play.
Olot is expected to be favored in a stadium with an environment conducive to a strong performance. Hércules will look to leverage home-field advantages and push for a result that keeps them in the race for promotion, applying pressure through organized defense and quick, effective attacking moves.