Manolo Sánchez issues a reminder ahead of the CD Estepona vs. Don Benito match: “We have to be a family”

The Rojillo coach defends the team’s attacking identity, responds to the debate sparked by the first few matchdays, and calls on the fans to unite and turn the Muñoz Pérez into “a pressure cooker”

CD Estepona returns to the Francisco Muñoz Pérez this Saturday looking to get back on the winning track after last Sunday’s loss to Tenerife B. Ahead of the match against CD Don Benito, Manolo Sánchez addressed the media at a press conference where he delivered several strong messages: he defended the team’s attacking style, highlighted the scoring chances the Rojillos are creating, and called for patience, unity, and support from the stands.

The coach did not shy away from the debate sparked by the first four matchdays and addressed some of the concerns that have arisen regarding the team. His message was clear: not to abandon the attacking style that allowed Estepona to avoid relegation last season and to ask the fans to stand with the team once again, especially during difficult times.

“We always prepare every week with the goal of winning every game,” Manolo explained when asked how the team is doing after the setback in Tenerife. The coach believes that, regardless of the result, the team maintains a recognizable identity and expressed satisfaction with his players’ performance.

Don Benito with 10 Points and a Different Style

CD Don Benito arrives in Estepona as one of the teams that has had the best start to the season, with 10 points out of a possible 12. An opponent that, according to Manolo Sánchez, presents a very different style of play than what the Estepona team aims to execute.

The coach expects a team capable of sitting back for long stretches and prioritizing holding onto a draw, while Estepona will look to take control of the game with the ball and create scoring chances.

“We prioritize creating chances and going out to score goals,” said Manolo, who also acknowledged the merit of the Extremadura-based team and its strong start to the season.

The Rojillo coach’s formula, once again, is to never compromise the team’s character.

“No matter what happens—whether we win, tie, or lose—it has to be the way we want it to be. That’s character.”

Manolo Calls for Unity at Muñoz Pérez

One of the highlights of the press conference came when the coach spoke directly about the role the fans must play.

Manolo Sánchez noted that the team needs to recapture the atmosphere from last season and called on players and fans to once again pull together.

“By being ourselves and, above all, by being one with the fans, by being one with everyone,” he replied when asked how to get past Don Benito.

The coach believes that Muñoz Pérez must once again become a particularly difficult venue for opponents and asked the fans to come out to cheer, enjoy the game, and put pressure on the visiting team.

But his message went beyond a simple request for support. Manolo recalled the atmosphere from last season and asked that the tense atmosphere from the first few matchdays of the previous season not be repeated. In his opinion, the team needs the fans to support the process and enjoy a style of play they recognize.

Neither excessive euphoria nor drama after four matchdays. Unity.

“We have to be able to come together as one, enjoying both the good times and the bad as a family,” said the coach.

“You’re not going to win the league on matchday five or six”

The standings were also a topic of discussion during the press conference.

Manolo Sánchez sought to put the current stage of the season into context and reminded everyone that there is still a long way to go in the championship. The coach acknowledged that the team would have liked to have earned more points, but he once again shifted the focus to performance and the identity he wants to maintain.

“You’re not going to win the league on matchday five or six,” he said, insisting that his team will continue to prioritize an offensive mindset.

The coach believes that sticking with that approach over time will be one of the keys to the team’s growth throughout the season. He also acknowledged that there is some frustration over the points the team feels it could have earned at the start of the season: “It’s a shame we don’t have at least three more points from the first two games.”

A Roster That Still Has Room for Improvement

When asked about the state of the roster, Manolo confirmed that there are a couple of question marks heading into the match, though we’ll still have to wait to find out the coaching staff’s final decision.

He also defended his playing philosophy once again when questioned about the goals conceded.

Manolo made no secret of the fact that his priority is to attack, create chances, and constantly threaten the opponent’s goal. For the coach, conceding chances or goals must be analyzed within a much broader framework.

“I don’t enjoy winning 1-0. In my weekly training sessions, in my approach—and above all, in our approach—I prioritize attacking, creating chances, and pushing forward.”

The coach also emphasized that this approach isn’t new and recalled the results achieved during the final stretch of last season, when the team maintained an offensive mindset on its path to securing league status.

“Doesn’t that count? It counted last year, but not now,” he pointed out when comparing the current debate to the one at that time.

For Manolo, the analysis must go beyond the number of goals conceded and also assess the team’s ability to create chances. His approach, he explained, remains the same: attack, get into the box, and go for the win.

The Muñoz Pérez Stadium, Set to Regain Its Atmosphere

After two consecutive away games, CD Estepona returns home. And for Manolo Sánchez, the crowd could once again prove to be a decisive factor.

The coach once again called for a united fan base and recalled the role the Muñoz Pérez stadium played during the second half of last season, especially when the team was in a dire situation.

“I want this to be a pressure cooker tomorrow with the players,” he said, calling for a stadium that cheers, enjoys the team’s play, and pushes them on for the full ninety minutes.

Manolo also sought to temper any excessive expectations surrounding the team. The coach reminded everyone that the season is long and that the goal isn’t to dominate right from the start, but to compete every match day with the same determination.

The coach insisted that Estepona is not a team destined to “dominate,” but rather one that promises to go out and compete in every match with the intention of winning.

“We’re not going to dominate, we’re not going to finish first by dominating, but we do promise that we’ll go out to win every game.”

A message that aligns with the philosophy the coach has championed since his arrival: less noise off the field and more work on the field.

A Call to Rekindle Enthusiasm

The press conference also provided an opportunity to look beyond the immediate result.

Manolo recalled that CD Estepona’s fans already demonstrated last season their ability to rally behind the team when the situation was particularly difficult. Now he believes it’s time to rekindle that enthusiasm and build on it.

“We all need to reconnect with that enthusiasm and energy we all have,” he said.

The coach also assured that he has no doubts about the team and reminded everyone that the season is long. His request remains the same: to compete, maintain the team’s identity, and move forward together with the fans.

The Starting Lineup Is Set

In the final question of the press conference, Manolo Sánchez confirmed that, as of today, he has decided on the starting lineup he’ll field against Don Benito.

“Yes, I’ve got it figured out. As of today, I’ve got it figured out,” the coach replied.

The next chapter will be written on the field at Francisco Muñoz Pérez, with CD Estepona looking to take another step forward early in the season and reconnect with the fans, who proved last season just how far they can push their team.

🎥 Full remarks by Manolo Sánchez

PREVIEW | Remarks by Manolo Sánchez ahead of #EsteponaDonBenito

You can watch the full press conference with the CD Estepona coach in the club’s official video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA8Temx7IIY