Manolo Sánchez emphasizes CD Estepona's identity against Club Atlético Central: "The objective has to be to win on Sunday."

The Osasuna manager emphasizes the importance of maintaining the team's playing style, warns of the challenge posed by Club Atlético Central, and expresses confidence in the fans' support at the Francisco Muñoz Pérez stadium. Fran Martínez will be out for several weeks, while Héctor has recovered from his injury.
CD Estepona faces another league match this Sunday, October 11th, 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 Division (2ª RFEF) . In the pre-match press conference, the team's manager, Manolo Sánchez , reviewed the key aspects of the match, the squad's condition, and the progress of a team looking to extend its positive run of form.
The coach insisted that the weekly training schedule doesn't change based on the results and highlighted the confidence that recent performances are giving his players. "It gives you that extra boost of confidence that the players already have," he explained, emphasizing that the team is improving its competitive level and becoming more daring on the pitch.

A demanding Atlético Central with tactical alternatives

Manolo Sánchez expects an opponent with diverse tactical options, capable of playing with a back four, three, or five defenders, depending on the circumstances of the match and any potential absences. The Osasuna coach praised the work of his counterpart, Marcos, and acknowledged the experience and competitiveness of the Seville side.
"It's a team that's very well-coached by Marcos," he noted. He also pointed out that the experience of his players doesn't mean they'll compete with less intensity; rather, they know the league well and know how to handle themselves in these kinds of matches.
In response, CD Estepona aims to maintain its attacking approach , dominate the game, and create scoring opportunities. The coach believes the team must remain true to its principles, regardless of the opponent's system.
In this sense, he explained that the offensive functioning of Osasuna does not depend exclusively on the wing-backs, but also on the midfielders, the wingers, the center of the field and the first line of construction.

Pressing after losing possession, one of the hallmarks of the red and whites

Another highlight of the press conference was the importance of pressing after losing possession and the team's ability to quickly change its mindset when it loses the ball.
Manolo Sánchez believes that these mechanisms are part of the DNA of the Estepona team, which must maintain a vertical mentality, press high when the game allows and try to recover possession as soon as possible.
The coach also recalled the difficulty of the previous match, in which the team had to patiently build up play and find the necessary spaces to create scoring opportunities. Against Atlético Central, the objective will again be to take the initiative, dominate the opponent, and provide chances for the fans to enjoy watching their team .

The Muñoz Pérez stadium, a key factor in the search for the three points

The atmosphere at the last home game was another key topic of the press conference. Manolo Sánchez highlighted the renewed enthusiasm of the Estepona fans and the growing connection between the players and the stands.
The coach has compared the feelings experienced recently with those of the promotion playoff, not so much because of the number of spectators but because of the intensity and excitement that could be felt in the stadium.
He also highlighted the support Manu received after Fran Martínez's injury, emphasizing how the fans cheered on the young goalkeeper when he entered the field:

"The Muñoz Pérez stadium is electric, it pushes the players, the players inspire the fans and that synergy makes us capable of coming back from any match."

Manolo Sánchez expressly thanked the fans for their support and assured them that, if this atmosphere continues, the team will be very close to victory.

"We are lucky to have one of the best fan bases in the whole group."

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

On the medical front, the main news is the situation of Fran Martínez , who will be out of action for several weeks. The coach has confirmed that the injury is not minor and that the goalkeeper is already being treated by the club's medical staff, awaiting further developments.
Héctor, meanwhile, has returned to excellent form and will be an option to start in goal this Sunday. Manolo Sánchez has expressed his full confidence in him and highlighted the personality he brings to the team.
The manager also wanted to acknowledge Fran's effort and commitment to CD Estepona, wishing him a speedy recovery. Both goalkeepers have different profiles, but the coach is confident that the team will continue to perform regardless of who plays.
Regarding the rest of the injury list, Álex Claverías continues his recovery from a groin injury , and his progress will be assessed week by week, taking into account how he feels. Manolo Sánchez indicated that the other players are all doing well.

Confidence in the playing style and in the team's evolution

The Malaga-born coach has argued that results shouldn't disrupt the team's growth or its footballing identity. In his opinion, the work done in training is allowing the players to assimilate the automatic movements and naturally develop the playing style.
Manolo explained that the coaching staff continues to introduce new mechanisms to evolve and prevent rivals from anticipating CD Estepona's approach.
"I think we are one of the teams with the strongest identity in the league," he said, also highlighting the enthusiasm, joy and confidence with which he sees his players working.
The coach has insisted that defeats, draws, and victories are all part of the journey, so the team must correct mistakes without abandoning its principles.

The objective: to beat Atlético Central

Despite the importance of adding three points in matchday 6, Manolo Sánchez has avoided doing calculations about the standings and has focused all attention on the next match.
The coach believes that focusing too much on the standings can distract the team from its true objective, so he has insisted on the need to prepare each match as an opportunity to continue growing:

"The objective has to be the same as on Sunday: three points."

Manolo has warned that Atlético Central will be a tough opponent, but he has faith in his players' character to compete and maintain their work ethic. He also highlighted the squad's depth and the difficulty of selecting the matchday squad, as he believes every player is ready to step up when their opportunity arises.
CD Estepona will be looking for another victory in front of their home fans this Sunday , with the intention of maintaining their identity, continuing to evolve and turning the Francisco Muñoz Pérez stadium into a difficult venue for any opponent.

Where to watch Manolo Sánchez's press conference

The full press conference of CD Estepona coach Manolo Sánchez, prior to the match against Club Atlético Central, can be viewed on the following official club channels:

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