Manolo Sánchez: “We’re going in with a very offensive approach and a winning mindset.”

CD Estepona head coach Manolo Sánchez spoke at the press conference ahead of the match against Club Atlético Antoniano, part of Matchday 9 of Group IV of the Segunda Federación. The Estepona squad will travel to the Lebrija Municipal Stadium this Sunday, November 1, at 12:30 p.m., with the goal of getting back on the winning track and continuing to pick up points.
The Rojillo coach heads into the away game with ambition and confidence in the work done throughout the week. After last weekend’s draw, which was decided in the final moments, Manolo is clear on what his team’s mindset should be:

“We’re going in with the goal of picking up three points, to go out and win the game the way we’ve been playing, with a very offensive approach. That’s our identity.”

An opponent that will demand maximum concentration

Manolo Sánchez expects a tough match against Atlético Antoniano, which—despite coming off a crushing 5-0 loss—will be especially motivated to compete in front of its home fans.
The Estepona coach highlighted the Seville-based team’s hard-working nature and some of its footballing strengths:

“They’re a humble, hard-working team that also has moments of great teamwork and creativity.”

Furthermore, the change in head coach could provide an additional boost for the home team. For this reason, the Estepona coach considers it essential to approach the match with humility, focus, and respect for the opponent.

Learning from the Past to Keep Growing

One of the highlights of the press conference was a look back at the difficult situation CD Estepona faced last season. Manolo wanted to use that experience as a reminder to keep their feet on the ground and avoid any overconfidence.
The coach recalled how the team had to treat numerous matches as if they were true finals in order to achieve their goal:

“I think we all have to learn from what happened to us in the past. We have to really let loose to play a match in which they’ll surely come at us hard.”

He also emphasized that the team must not lose its footballing identity, regardless of the venue or the circumstances of the match. In this regard, he made it clear that he doesn’t want Estepona to be limited to playing long balls:

“I don’t want my team to play a ‘frontón’-style game, where it’s just about kicking the ball upfield. There are moments when you have to play the game and do things right.”

An Offensive and Ambitious Mindset

The Rojillo coach also spoke about the importance of maintaining a winning mindset throughout the ninety minutes, even when the circumstances of the game aren’t favorable.
“If they score on us, we have to score another one. If they score on a set piece, we have to score two more,” explained Manolo, making clear the attacking ambition he wants to instill in his players.
He also expressed great satisfaction with the team’s unity, internal competition, and the enthusiasm the squad is showing. As he explained, all the players are vying for playing time and working hard to earn their chance, something he considers positive for the team’s collective growth.

Squad Status

As for the players’ physical condition, Manolo offered some reassurance after initial reports regarding Héber Pena’s injury were more discouraging. The coach was particularly pleased that the injury ultimately isn’t as serious as feared and highlighted Pena’s eagerness to return to competition, with the goal of having him ready by January.
Meanwhile, Mario Camero continues to gradually return to training, participating in partial sessions with the group. Fran Martínez is also making good progress and is working hard to speed up his recovery, although the coaching staff is clear that they do not want to rush his return. As for Jorge, his recovery continues to progress little by little.

The Fans Take Center Stage in Lebrija, Too

Manolo also made sure to acknowledge the CD Estepona fans, recalling in particular last season’s trip to Lebrija, where the team shared some memorable moments with its supporters.
The coach believes that experience helped foster a very special sense of belonging—something he wants to continue strengthening this season.
“We did it together. We did it by jumping for joy and celebrating,” he recalled of that victory, also highlighting the affection and support the team received from the fans.
The coach even cited members of his own coaching staff as an example—people who, despite currently being far from Estepona for personal and professional reasons, continue to maintain a very strong bond with the team.
Manolo concluded his press conference by emphasizing the importance of respecting all opponents, remembering where the club comes from, and focusing solely on the next match:

“Tomorrow we face a very tough opponent in Antoniano. We have to go out and win every game.”

CD Estepona will thus seek three crucial points in Lebrija to continue climbing the standings in Group IV of the Segunda Federación, maintaining the ambition, humility, and attacking style that the coach is not willing to abandon.

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