Francisco “Búnker” Pérez

El Muñoz Pérez is establishing itself as an increasingly impregnable fortress: 28 points out of a possible 48 under Manolo Sánchez, who shields his team from outside doubts: “We have to be a bunker.”

Soccer is all about dynamics, but also—and above all—about numerical realities. And the reality for CD Estepona since Manolo Sánchez took over as head coach on Matchday 15 of last season has one main stage: the Francisco Muñoz Pérez Municipal Stadium. What was once a venue where points were easily lost is now a veritable military fortress. A bunker.

The numbers don’t lie. In the 16 league matches the Marbella-born coach has led at home—spanning last season and the current one—the Rojillos have only tasted defeat twice. The overall record is unquestionably solid: 7 wins, 7 draws, and just 2 losses. Translated into points: 28 out of a possible 48, which sustain the competitiveness of a project that has grown in stature before its fans.

In the 2025–26 season, Muñoz Pérez earned 17 points in 10 games, with a record of 4 wins, 5 draws, and 1 loss. In the current campaign, the defense remains rock-solid: 11 points in 6 matches, with a record of 3 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss.

A Shield Against the Outside World

However, following the latest home victory against UD Tamaraceite, the concept of a “bunker” took on a dual meaning in the press conference room. It’s not just the concrete and grass at Muñoz Pérez; it’s the players’ mindset. When asked about the keys to this regained strength and about his previous messages urging those who doubt to reflect, Manolo Sánchez didn’t mince words. He came across as firm, assertive, and immensely grateful to Julen, the person who “was brave enough at the time to give me the opportunity” despite initial misgivings about his lack of experience.

The coach is well aware that soccer has no memory and that one can go from “hero to villain” in a matter of weeks, but he remains unperturbed by the ups and downs of public opinion: “When you lose to Antoniano, some people get nervous and will surely think, ‘The coach is terrible now—again.’ I honestly couldn’t care less. The only thing I believe in is my players; I’d go to the ends of the earth with them.”

It was then that the coach articulated the philosophy that gives meaning to the new Estepona: “I told them we have to be a fortress against anyone who wants to speculate, criticize, or badmouth us… All that negative talk isn’t going to get to us”.

Die by a Principle

Sánchez made it clear in the locker room that “naysayers have no place with us” and that he has no intention of abandoning his soccer philosophy because of a bad result. His commitment is unwavering, and he won’t make any concessions: “Until my very last day here, I’m going to stick to my vision until the end, always moving forward. If you like it, great; if you don’t, well, when someone else comes along who’s content to just defend and celebrate 0-0 draws, then good for them. But not me.”

CD Estepona stands firm on its home turf. The numbers back this up, and the mere two losses suffered in nearly a year of home competition prove that storming Estepona’s home ground is a high-risk mission. The Francisco Muñoz Pérez Stadium has become, in its own right and thanks to its leader’s conviction, the Francisco “Bunker” Pérez.

Bring on the next one.

CD Estepona Fans | The Voice of the Fans