Alfonso Candelas: “With the system we play, the fullbacks are practically forwards.”

Alfonso Candelas, a fullback for CD Estepona, was a guest on Deportes COPE Marbella last Wednesday, October 28, where he spoke with Diego Partida to discuss the current state of the red-and-white team. The player spoke about the team’s strong start to the season, his outstanding goal-scoring performance, the areas where the team needs to improve, and expectations heading into the upcoming league matches.

CD Estepona is currently on a winning streak and has gone several matchdays without a loss. However, the draw against Ciudad de Lucena (2-2) left a somewhat bitter taste in the locker room, especially given the numerous scoring chances created by Manolo Sánchez’s team.

“We’re a little frustrated because it was a game in which we had a lot of chances,” acknowledged Candelas, who believes the team could have more points if it were better at capitalizing on the opportunities it’s creating.

Nevertheless, the defender also wanted to highlight the team’s progress compared to last season: “Right now we have 12 points, more than we had in practically the entire first half of last season.”

Alfonso Candelas, a Fullback with a Knack for Scoring

One of the highlights of the interview was the red-and-white player’s extraordinary scoring streak. Candelas has scored three goals in his first five games this season, already surpassing the two goals he scored over the 36 matchdays of last season.

The player expressed surprise at these numbers, though he explained that much of his offensive growth is due to the system implemented by Manolo Sánchez:

“With the system we play, and what the coach brings to the table, he wants the fullbacks to be practically forwards, and I listen to him. Look, it’s paying off.”

The defender also recalled how he scored his latest goal—a spectacular finish from the edge of the box after capitalizing on a loose ball. Noticing that the goalkeeper was slightly off his line, he decided to try his luck with a shot over the keeper.

“I saw that the goalkeeper was a little off his line and I said to myself: I have to shoot over him. If I get it past him, it’s a goal,” he explained about a play that ended up becoming one of the standout goals of the matchday.

CD Estepona Aims to Improve Its Defensive Performance

Beyond the team’s offensive potential, Candelas also analyzed some of the areas the team needs to address, particularly the goals conceded on set pieces.

The player acknowledged that the red-and-white squad can struggle in these types of situations due to their physical characteristics, though he insisted that these are details that must be worked on during the week:

“We have to correct those mistakes because, in the end, they’re details that can decide a game.”

The fullback also explained that the team’s attacking style involves taking certain defensive risks, but he considers it essential that all players get involved in defensive recovery efforts:

“As soon as we put a stop to this streak of goals conceded—given the chances we create and the goals we usually score—I think the points will start rolling in effortlessly.”

Candelas Stresses the Importance of Not Obsessing Over Missed Chances

The player was also asked about the number of chances CD Estepona is creating and the potential frustration that comes from failing to convert them.

Candelas dismissed any notion of anxiety within the locker room and defended the need to maintain confidence in Manolo Sánchez’s style of play:

“We have to stick to this style; we know we’re going to create chances, and we know we’re going to score goals.”

For the defender, the key lies in improving concentration in the final meters and capitalizing on the clearest opportunities, without losing composure or altering the team’s identity.

He also commented on Sow’s disallowed goal against Ciudad de Lucena, a play that could have secured the victory for the red-and-whites. The player acknowledged that the footage does not clearly show whether there was an offside and preferred not to comment on the referee’s decision.

Candelas Expresses Concern for Héber Pena, but Is Relieved It Isn’t a More Serious Injury

Part of the interview was devoted to Héber Pena, after it was revealed that the player has suffered a Grade II tear of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

Candelas acknowledged that the team was relieved by the final diagnosis, as initial indications had pointed to a possible cruciate ligament injury:

“First of all, despite the bad news, we’re happy, because the initial indications suggested it was going to be the worst-case scenario—that it was going to be the cruciate ligament. In that regard, we’re very happy that wasn’t the case.”

The fullback also expressed optimism about his potential return and cited January as a tentative date for his teammate’s return, though he made it clear that the most important thing is for him to make a full recovery and avoid any further physical setbacks.

A Tough Match Against Atlético Antoniano

As for the upcoming league match, Candelas anticipated a challenging game against Atlético Antoniano in the away match in Lebrija.

The defender highlighted the unique characteristics of the field, which is smaller in size and has turf conditions that could make it difficult for the Estepona team to play their usual style of soccer:

“It’s going to be a tough match—a battle, a fight, and a series of one-on-one duels.”

He also noted the Seville-based team’s coaching change, which could spark a reaction among its players—especially those who have seen limited playing time in recent matches.

For Candelas, the goal must be to play a disciplined game, adapt to the field’s characteristics, and try to take the lead as early as possible.

Alfonso Candelas Explains Jorge’s Situation and Asks for the Fans’ Support

During the conversation, there was also time to discuss Jorge, who missed the last squad call-up after suffering a severe ankle sprain during the derby.

The fullback explained that his teammate had even had difficulty putting weight on his foot during the first few days and that he was undergoing rehabilitation with the goal of gradually rejoining the team.

Finally, Candelas wanted to send a message to the CD Estepona fans, encouraging all supporters who can make the trip to Lebrija to come out and support the team.

“The more of us there are, the more noise we’ll make, and the more supported we’ll feel,” said the player, who hopes the red-and-white team can dedicate another victory to its fans.

The defender also emphasized the importance of the fans feeling a sense of connection with the team and with the style of play they’re developing this season.

The full interview with Alfonso Candelas and Diego Partida on Deportes COPE Marbella can be heard by clicking here.

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