Julen Guerrero discusses CD Estepona's improvement and calls on the fans to rally behind the team ahead of the match against CD Extremadura

The general manager of CD Estepona, Julen Guerrero, took center stage at the pre-match fan zone ahead of the game against CD Extremadura, held on March 21 at the Abrevadero booth at the Estepona fairgrounds. In an interview with La Tribuna del Muñoz Pérez, the executive highlighted the team’s growth in recent matches and emphasized the importance of unity between the club and the fans.

Julen described the atmosphere at the pre-match event as a reflection of the goal he set upon his arrival: “to bring the team closer to the community.” In this regard, he insisted on the need to bring together all segments of the club, from fans to former leaders and players: “If we want to turn things around and keep growing, it’s important that we all stand united.”

On the sporting front, the general manager explained the keys to the team’s remarkable improvement, which has gone from a difficult position in the standings to earning a significant number of points in recent matches. As he detailed, the change began with an internal analysis and the restructuring of the coaching staff, led by Manolo Sánchez, who was provided with the necessary resources. In addition, performance tools were introduced to optimize the squad’s level.

Julen also highlighted the team’s mentality as one of the key factors: daily commitment, confidence in their work, and competitiveness. All of this is part of an approach based on taking it “one game at a time,” a philosophy closely associated with Diego Simeone, who is remembered, among other episodes from his playing days, for the kick he delivered to Julen Guerrero during a match between Atlético Madrid and Athletic Club in the 1990s—an incident that was widely discussed at the time. “Our energy must be focused on each match. We can’t think beyond that,” he stated.

Another key point was the importance of the human element within the locker room. The general manager made it clear that the club is not only looking for good soccer players, but also good people who contribute to creating a solid and committed work environment.

Looking ahead, Guerrero addressed the role of the youth academy, noting that both the reserve team roster and the coaching staff are being strengthened in preparation for the final stretch of the season. The goal is to consolidate the club’s structural growth and help the youth teams continue to progress, with an eye toward potential promotion playoffs.

To conclude, the director sent a direct message to the fans, encouraging them to come to the stadium and support the team in a key match: “Winning today would give us a major boost. We need everyone’s help.”

Julen Guerrero’s remarks reflect the current sense of optimism at CD Estepona, which is entering the decisive stretch of the season with survival within reach and an increasingly consolidated sporting and social structure.