Alfonso Candelas: “We have to turn Muñoz Pérez into a fortress”

Alfonso Candelas, one of the captains of CD Estepona, was the guest on the second episode of the second season of the CD Estepona Podcast, hosted by Álvaro Carrasco. The defender analyzed the important 3-1 victory over CD Don Benito on Matchday 5 of Group IV of the Segunda Federación, spoke about his return to the field after several weeks away, and discussed various aspects of the locker room and the season.
During the interview, Candelas also highlighted the role of the fans and emphasized the importance of turning the Muñoz Pérez into a fortress, especially now that the club has surpassed 1,600 season-ticket holders—a historic figure for the club. In addition, the captain discussed the continuity of last season’s roster, how the new players are adapting, and his goals for this season.

Alfonso Candelas Analyzes the Victory Over Don Benito

The captain of CD Estepona acknowledged that the match against CD Don Benito was tough from the start due to the strength of the team from Extremadura. The opponent entered Matchday 5 as co-leader, with 10 points and only one goal conceded, but the Estepona team managed to prevail 3-1.
Candelas particularly highlighted the patience shown by the team led by Manolo Sánchez, who knew how to manage the game and wait for their chances until they found the necessary spaces to strike.
The player believes that one of Estepona’s defining characteristics is its ability to create chances and attack constantly:

“We’re a team that creates a lot of chances and gets a lot of players into the box.”

He also highlighted the team’s ability to bounce back from Don Benito’s equalizer. According to Candelas, the team has learned from situations experienced during the previous season and is now better equipped to react to setbacks during matches.

“The important thing is to create chances.”

For the captain, that offensive mindset must be maintained throughout the season, regardless of whether some of those chances end up finding the back of the net or not.

The First Home Win and the Goal of Making Muñoz Pérez a Fortress

The victory over Don Benito marked CD Estepona’s first home win of the season. Candelas dismissed the idea that there was any special pressure to secure the three points, though he acknowledged the importance of capitalizing on the two consecutive home games.
The goal was clear: to earn six points at home and put the team in a strong position in the standings.
In this regard, the captain placed special emphasis on the role of the fans. CD Estepona has more than 1,600 season-ticket holders this season—a record for the club—which, according to Candelas, should become an advantage for the team.
The player asked the fans to continue supporting the Estepona team so that the Francisco Muñoz Pérez stadium can become a true fortress:

“When we play here, we need to feel that support—we need the fans to be with us so we can turn the Muñoz Pérez into a real fortress.”

The captain also noted that during his time at the club, the team has struggled to establish that home-field strength, which is why he believes it could be one of the decisive factors throughout the season.

A Team with Strong Competition at Every Position

Another highlight of the interview was the competition within the roster. Candelas cited the match against Don Benito as an example, in which players like Manu Pérez, Alberto González, and Pablo Arriaza played key roles and demonstrated the team’s depth.
For the captain, having players ready to step in at any moment is a guarantee of success for the team.
Candelas believes that internal competition also benefits each player individually, as it forces everyone to stay focused and keep working to earn a spot in the starting lineup:

“Competition for starting spots makes you better.”

The defender also spoke highly of the coaching staff’s management, noting that there is currently so much competition that it’s hard to know who will start each matchday.

Alfonso Candelas Explains His Return from Injury

The captain also spoke about his return to competition after spending several weeks away from the field.
Candelas explained that he suffered a blow during a preseason match against Algeciras, which later led to swelling and a minor tear in his soleus fascia. After continuing to play and train, fluid accumulated in his calf, prompting the medical staff to perform an MRI.
The player acknowledged that during his return he felt comfortable and experienced no discomfort related to the injury, although he did notice a lack of physical rhythm after the 70th minute due to having been practically inactive for several weeks.
For Candelas, regaining that competitive rhythm will be a matter of accumulating training sessions and matches.

Three Years in Estepona and a Growing Sense of Belonging

Alfonso Candelas is heading into his third season with CD Estepona, a period during which he says he has experienced both positive and negative moments with the club.
The player acknowledged that he feels very well-liked both within the club and in the city and that, after three years, he feels “almost like another Estepona native.”
The captain explained that it is precisely all the experiences he has accumulated during this time that have strengthened his sense of belonging and allowed him to learn from both the good times and the more challenging situations.

Team continuity, one of the keys to the new project

Candelas also explained the reasons why he decided to stay for one more season at CD Estepona.
One of the main factors was the retention of a large part of last season’s roster. For the captain, retaining a significant portion of the team that secured survival provides a fundamental foundation for tackling a new season with ambition.
In addition, he spoke very highly of the working conditions offered by the club—both in the locker room and the gym, as well as in day-to-day interactions with the coaching staff and other professionals.
The player believes the new players have adapted quickly to the group and particularly emphasized that the arrival of new signings has not disrupted the existing unity within the locker room.
According to Candelas, his new teammates are “good people,” something he considers essential for building a united group and a true family within the team.

Candelas Reaches His Footballing Prime at 31

At 31 years old, Alfonso Candelas believes he is at one of the most mature stages of his football career.
The player explained that all the experience he has gained over the years in soccer is now being put to use for the benefit of the team and his teammates.
His goal, both individually and collectively, is to compete every week for the three points and finish the season in the best possible position.
The captain remains hopeful of achieving great things with CD Estepona and hopes the team can improve upon last season’s results.

##Alfonso Candelas’ Message to the Fans
Before wrapping up the interview, Candelas wanted to address the CD Estepona fans directly.
The captain asked the fans to continue supporting the team throughout the season, especially recalling the support they received during the tough moments of the previous season:

“Stay enthusiastic, and come out to support the team.”

The player assures that the squad is very excited and will give it their all this season to try to achieve big goals.

He also asked that this support continue even when difficulties arise, reminding everyone that the team and the fans must remain united throughout the season.

Candelas’s Personal “Starting Eleven”

The interview also included a segment in which Alfonso Candelas had to choose different teammates for various game situations.
The captain chose Ariel to take a decisive penalty kick, Ale Contreras for a free kick, and Sandji Baradji as the recipient of a cross from a corner kick in the final minutes.
For a loose ball on the edge of the box, he chose Héber Pena, while for defending a one-on-one situation, he went with José Antonio Caro. On offense, he chose Samu Expósito.
Finally, Candelas put together his own futsal team with Ariel, Nacho, Alberto, Samu, and Marín.

CD Estepona vs. Atlético Central

The interview also served to analyze the Estepona team’s upcoming match, as they will face Club Atlético Central at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez stadium on Matchday 6 of the Segunda Federación.
Candelas described the opponent as a veteran team, with proven players and experience in higher divisions. The captain expects a tough match, similar in some ways to the one against Don Benito, with an opponent that will try to close down spaces and prevent too many scoring chances.
However, the player is clear on how Estepona should respond: by focusing on their own game.
The captain is counting on the team to come out from the very first minute looking to take control of the match, maintaining the attacking style they’ve shown in the early rounds:

“We have to come out the way we’ve come out in these matches, going after them from the very first minute.”

For Candelas, if the team maintains its ability to create chances, the results will eventually come, as he believes it’s unlikely that a team that generates so many opportunities won’t end up scoring regularly.

An interview to get to know the CD Estepona captain better

The second episode of the second season of the CD Estepona Podcast offered a closer look at one of the first team’s captains.
Alfonso Candelas discussed the victory over Don Benito, his return from injury, the competition within the squad, the team’s continuity, his relationship with his teammates, and his feelings about a season he’s approaching with enthusiasm and ambition.
He also emphasized the vital role the fans must play in turning the Muñoz Pérez into a fortress and supporting the team every step of the way.
The full interview with Álvaro Carrasco and Alfonso Candelas can be viewed and listened to on the CD Estepona Podcast platforms:

• Full interview on YouTube
• Full interview on Spotify

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