Manolo Sánchez emphasizes CD Estepona's identity ahead of the match against Atlético Central: "The goal has to be to win on Sunday"

The Rojillo coach emphasizes the importance of maintaining the team’s playing style, warns of the challenge posed by Club Atlético Central, and is counting on the fans’ support at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez Stadium. Fran Martínez will be sidelined for several weeks, while Héctor has recovered.
CD Estepona faces another league match this Sunday, October 11, at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez stadium, where they will host Club Atlético Central in the match corresponding to Matchday 6 of Group IV of the Second Federation (2nd RFEF). At the pre-match press conference, the Rojillos’ coach, Manolo Sánchez, reviewed the key points of the match, the state of the roster, and the progress of a team looking to extend its winning streak.
The coach emphasized that the team’s weekly training routine does not change based on results and highlighted the confidence that recent performances are instilling in his players. “It gives the players that extra boost of confidence they already have,” he explained, emphasizing that the team is raising its competitive level and becoming increasingly bold on the field.

A Demanding Atlético Central with Tactical Options

Manolo Sánchez expects an opponent with various tactical options, capable of playing with a back four, a back three, or a back five, depending on the circumstances of the match and any potential absences. The Rojillo coach praised the work of his counterpart, Marcos, and cautioned about the Sevillian team’s experience and competitiveness.
“It’s a team that’s been very well prepared by Marcos, their coach,” he noted. He also pointed out that the players’ experience doesn’t mean they’ll compete with any less intensity; rather, they know the league well and know how to handle this type of match.
In response, CD Estepona aims to maintain its attacking style, dominate the game, and create scoring opportunities. The coach believes the team must remain true to its principles, regardless of the system the opponent employs.
In this regard, he explained that the Rojillos’ offensive play does not depend exclusively on the wingbacks, but also on the central midfielders, the wingers, the midfield, and the first line of build-up.

Pressing after losing possession, one of the Rojillos’ hallmarks

Another highlight of the press conference was the importance of pressing after losing possession and the team’s ability to quickly shift its mindset when it loses the ball.
Manolo Sánchez believes these mechanisms are part of the Estepona team’s DNA; the team must maintain a forward-thinking mindset, press high up the field when the play allows it, and try to regain possession as quickly as possible.
The coach also recalled the challenges of the previous match, in which the team had to take control of the game and find the necessary spaces to create scoring opportunities. Against Atlético Central, the goal will once again be to take the initiative, dominate the opponent, and create chances so the fans can enjoy watching their team.

El Muñoz Pérez: A Key Factor in Securing the Three Points

The atmosphere at the last home game was another central topic of the press conference. Manolo Sánchez highlighted the renewed enthusiasm among Estepona’s fans and the connection forming between the players and the stands.
The coach compared the recent atmosphere to that of the relegation playoff—not so much because of the number of spectators, but because of the intensity and excitement that filled the stadium.
He also praised the support Manu received following Fran Martínez’s injury, noting how the fans cheered on the young goalkeeper when he took the field:

“The Muñoz Pérez crowd gets behind us, pushes the players, the players inspire the fans, and that synergy makes us capable of coming back in any game.”

Manolo Sánchez specifically thanked the fans for their support and assured them that, if that atmosphere continues, the team will be very close to securing a victory:

“We’re lucky to have one of the best fan bases in the entire league.”

Fran Martínez will be out for several weeks, and Héctor has recovered

On the medical front, the main news is the situation with Fran Martínez, who will be sidelined for several weeks. The coach confirmed that the injury is not minor and that the goalkeeper is already being treated by the club’s medical staff, as they monitor his progress.
Meanwhile, Héctor has recovered and is in top form, so he’ll be an option to start in goal this Sunday. Manolo Sánchez has expressed full confidence in him and highlighted the personality he brings to the team.
The coach also wanted to acknowledge Fran’s effort and commitment to CD Estepona, wishing him a speedy recovery. Both goalkeepers have different styles, but the coach is confident that the team will continue to perform well regardless of who takes the field.
As for the rest of the injured players, Álex Claverías continues to recover from a groin injury, and his progress will be evaluated on a week-by-week basis, depending on how he feels. Regarding the other players, Manolo Sánchez has indicated that they are doing well.

Confidence in the Playing Style and the Team’s Progress

The Málaga-born coach has argued that results should not disrupt the team’s development process or its soccer identity. In his opinion, the work done during training sessions is allowing the players to internalize the automatic responses and naturally develop the playing style.
Manolo explained that the coaching staff continues to introduce new tactics to evolve and prevent opponents from anticipating CD Estepona’s game plan.
“I believe we’re one of the teams with the strongest identity in the division,” he said, also highlighting the enthusiasm, joy, and confidence he sees in his players as they work.
The coach emphasized that losses, draws, and wins are all part of the journey, so the team must correct mistakes without compromising its principles.

The Goal: To Beat Atlético Central

Despite the importance of earning three points in Matchday 6, Manolo Sánchez has avoided speculating about the standings and has focused all his attention on the upcoming match.
The coach believes that paying too much attention to the standings can distract the team from its true goal, so he has emphasized the need to approach each match as an opportunity to continue growing:

“The goal has to be Sunday’s match: three points.”

Manolo has warned that Atlético Central will be a tough opponent, but he has confidence in his players’ character to compete and maintain their momentum. He has also highlighted the depth of the roster and the difficulty of selecting the starting lineup, as he believes all the players are ready to step up when their chance comes.
CD Estepona will be looking for another victory in front of its home fans this Sunday, with the aim of maintaining its identity, continuing to evolve, and making the Francisco Muñoz Pérez Stadium a tough place for any opponent to play.

Where to watch Manolo Sánchez’s press conference

The full press conference with CD Estepona coach Manolo Sánchez, ahead of the match against Club Atlético Central, can be viewed on the club’s official channels below:

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