Christmas cheer

Christmas is a quiet time for football in Spain. The teams break on the last Sunday before the 24th and usually are off until about the 28th. They then start to train and they play their first game in January. The first two games of the season are away although I hope to go to both. The first is in Alcala de Henares in the outskirts of Madrid and the second in Vecindario, Gran Canaria. This second is the first organised trip of the season and the first organised trip I have been on. We are going with the Zoneros who are one of the newer fan clubs although now one of the bigger groups.

I was at their christmas presentation where the littlest members were presented with kits from the club. This was a great even and I was honoured to be there. They were also at the same time presented with a plaque from the Irish Clan, theCDT´s latest peña (fan club) for the assistance given by the Zoneros last weekend in the collection of food and toys in the last game of the season.

There have been information in the papers that the club has found some solutions for some of their financial problems. The plot of land where the youth teams train in La Laguna is heavily mortgaged and with little income the club has had difficulties. This month "EL Dia" claims the island government will take over part of the mortgage and part of the land (the back plot). The front plot will be taken over by local businessmen which leaves the club with the main training area and access to their plot. And considerably less debts. More information will be available in the AGM held at the end of this week. President Miguel Concepcion has promised to talk after the meeting to the press.

Although there are still rumours about possible signings nothing has been confirmed and I think it may well be towards the end of the month of January before we hear anything. Someone talked to me that Omar might be coming back but I can't find any source for this.

The club website today has an article withan interview with two of the strongest voices in the dressing room, Sergio Aragoneses and Kiko Raton. Their comments included their hopes for the rest of the season, how they plan to play for everything, how loyal they feel to the team, the club and the fans. "It is incredible this year, 9,000 season ticket holders, how much that helps. At home we need to be invincible as we have been up to now.  and we need to create an special atmosphere for the 10 game that are left especially against our direct rivals".
They both hope to take the team back to professional football where it belongs for the fansto bring them some happiness, especally in times like these where football has a special part in peoples hearts.

UD Sanse v CD Tenerife 0-0

I have seen fields with cattle on them in better condition that the pitch in San Sebastian de los Reyes at the end of the match yesterday. I am not sure what the difficulty is with the pitch but it needs work. Maybe this is a plan to manage to win their home games as if you are not used to a pitch like that you would struggle to play there. That said we didn't have many chances, an early shot at goal by Zazo was the best chance we had. Although Kiko tried everything nothing seemed to turn out right and finally not long before the end of the game Antonio Calderon, the blue and white coach took him off exhausted. Sergio Aragoneses again had a great save and with the exception of the penalty has not received a goal for 3 games.

GAME NOTES 


UD SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LOS REYES:  0 (0)
CD TENERIFE:                                          0 (0)

UD SAN SEBASTIÁN DE LOS REYES: Miguel Ángel; Edu Ruiz, Castañera, Martín Vaquero, Iñaki; Biendi (Jairo, 92’), Vázquez, Héctor, José Luis; Portilla (Duque, 74’) & Felipe Cortés (Moreno, 87’).

CD TENERIFE: Sergio Aragoneses; Cristóbal, Tarantino, Medina, Ayoze; Zazo, Kitoko, Chechu (Marcos, 84’), Ferrán Tacón; Perona (Víctor Bravo, 69’) & Kiko Ratón (Nico, 77’).

REFEREE: Sales Montero, from Cataluyna. Yellow card for local players Héctor, Castañera, Vázquez & Miguel Ángel; and for visitors David Medina, Kiko Ratón & Ferrán Tacón.

GOALS: None.

INCIDENTS: Played in the Nuevo Matapiñonera. With grounds in terrible condition. On a warm sunny morning, with approx. 1000 spectators of which about 150 were CD Tenerife supporters, many of whom were from the fan group, Frente Blanquiazul. Present in the stadium was CD Tenerife president, Miguel Concepción.

Great signing, Sergio extends his contract for an extra year.

“I am really pleased to be staying on the island”. Sergio Aragoneses displayed certain satisfaction about his option to stay with CD Tenerife. “I am satisfied that this was the right decision”, he declared yesterday on the club website. The player from Galicia admitted he has refused offers from higher leagues to stay and we grateful that “Tenerife has placed their trust in me”.
Sergio Aragoneses will stay connected with the club. “It is what I had hoped for to stay on the island”, declared the player. The blue and white keeper, one of the captains last year, claimed that he was “very happy” to form part of the new project.
“The club has given me many things said Sergio, “and what I am is thanks to Tenerife”. “After looking at the various options which were attractive I decided to stay here” he commented happily.
The Galician stated his thanks: “to the club for their support and to the fans who have never failed us”. “Right now, between us all, we are going to fight to achieve the objective”, he pointed out, “without any doubts this is one of the reasons I stayed”.

Many of the fans were pleased to here this news. The never really got the chance to thanks him for his efforts last season as before the last home game he had stated his desire to stay even taking a pay cut. When the club then talked about letting him go many of us felt sad but in the end it has all worked out. There is no doubt what ever his reasons for staying he is a great addition to the squad and someone who can help form the team.

Tenerife is like a home for me - Sergio Aragoneses

“It has finally happened. Now we have to finish the season the best we can. The team wasn't capable. We made many mistakes”. This is how CD Tenerife captain, Sergio Aragoneses started talking about the teams relegation.
The goal keeper from Galica continued on the same theme talking to the fans saying, “The situation is bad for everyone and we need to do as much as we can. The fans have always supported the team and we can only thank them. They are one of the great pillars that the team has”.
Lastly, Aragoneses was asked whether he would continue next season. He replied, “It is an option. Tenerife is like a home for me”, he finished.

Mathematically there is still a way out - said Sergio Aragoneses

Mathematically there is still a way out. We need to break his negative run and we are going to try our hardest until the end”. This is how Sergio Aragoneses started his press conference on Wednesday in the Heliodoro.
For the keeper from Galicia, “we need to think that there are still chances, this is why we still need to try until the end. We will go all out for the three points next game”. “We are living in a situation that isn't great for anyone” he added.
“I feel like everyone. This is a group, in the good times and that bad ones. The players can get the club out of this and we are going to try our best. We need to see how we can do this to the advantage of everyone”, explained Aragoneses, for whom, “we are holding onto the option of salvation and we are going to try any way possible”.
Mikel Alonso was also interviewed today and for the player from the Basque region ”we need to turn the page, to think about the game next Saturday. In Alcorcón we had it in our hand and we let it go. We need to concentrate on the day to day training”.
Alonso was questioned about his return to the team after week of absence. Amaral used him in the second half against Alcorcon.
“I feel good. I played nine minutes and tried to help the team, but at the end we lost the points” he explained.
“We need to respect the work all the coaches are doing and all our colleagues. I would like to play more but I have the utmost respect for the decisions the coach makes” he added.
When asked about the next rival he said “Villarreal B has young players and great players. They will make things difficult for us”.
When asked about the reasons that have bought CD Tenerife to the position in the table, Mikel Alonso commented that “It is a complicated moment because things are just going right. Everyone in the club is trying hard. We are working to the maximum and there is no way out. Lets see with the next game things turn around and with it better results”.
“I can only think about the training and what might happen this weekend” he concluded.

"The new trainer is demanding", said keeper Sergio Aragoneses.

Antonio Hidalgo was one of the players who talked to the press in the Heliodoro Rodríguez López on Wednesday. He analysed the upcoming game for the blue and whites. The mid fielder felt that the new coach didn't make for “a good moment. But results are what count right now. We have a fundamental game on Saturday and we need the fans”.
The CD Tenerife player also had some words about the new coach “David Amaral knows the club well and is tremendously positive. With a new coach, there are always new choices for every one. We know that things are difficult, but with the help of everyone we hope we can improve. David (Amaral) is very experienced as a coach and knows how it is to train in this club. He puts all his heart into everything.
 
When asked about his physical state, Antonio Hidalgo explained that “I think I will be fit for the game on Saturday. You need to be careful with muscle injuries, but I will do my best to be fit”.
 
The second player interviewed was Sergio Aragoneses, who talked about the game against Huesca:”We have nothing else to do but give our best and win the three points this Saturday to keep us alive and look to get out of relegation”.
 
The keeper, one of the captains of the first team, commented on the new trainer: “He is going to try to help us, make us think we have the chance to move up and that we need to be brave. I trained with him some years ago and know that he is very demanding when it comes to work. We have a new trainer and the idea is this change will produce a result”.

Captain Pablo Sicilia calls for one last push.

Two of the CD Tenerife captains, Sergio Aragoneses & Pablo Sicilia, were the players interviewed today, they both talked about the position the team finds itself.
The keeper from Galicia signalled for the first time “our options of salvation come by winning in Tarragona. We need to bring these three points home however. This is the last train, this is what we think, and we need to catch it this time”.
On this theme he continued saying, “We can't be depressed and we need to try. We are living a very hard year. The situation is very complicated for all of us”.
The blue and white keeper, finished by advising that, “The only way to look forward is to beat Nastic. Everything works by winning games, every game every weekend from now to the end of the league. It is the moment to concentrate on our job, to talk on the field to move forward”.
Pablo Sicilia, then talked, starting by stating, “the squad is more united than ever. This is important and now we need to show this on the field. We need to play for everything”.
In reference to the talk that the technical team had with the player on Tuesday the defender from Gran Canaria commented that, “Talks are always helpful. We need to save the season and we can't leave anything behind”.
“Every game needs to be a final”. Continued Sicilia, who added that “we know against Nastic we are playing for everything. We are going out to compete and we need to give everything we have”.
The island player, equally, valued the importance of a win in the Nou Estadi. “If we win, we will see a way out. Without excuses we need to go out to win. This is and will be our mentality”. It isn't easy to play in a situation like this, but we are professionals but we need to take this moment as a challenge”, he added.
The blue and white ‘6’ lastly wanted to send a message to the fans. “I understand that the fans are hurt and cross with us but from here let me ask for one last effort, so between us, we can take Tenerife out of this situation”, he concluded.

Interviews after the game against Elche and on the way home.

In the interviews after the game with 11 games left to play for the end of the competition the CD Tenerife squad has right now the Nastic game and winning there in their mind so they can cut the difference to get out of the relegation zone. “We are going to play the next game like it was the last”, assured Julio Álvarez. In the same terms Ricardo León commented: “We are talking about a really important moment”.

The undeserved loss against Elche (1-0) on Sunday needs to be left behind. The squad will concentrate, from now, all their effort on winning the next three games in play. Points that are vital for the aim to save the team. “right now we are in a bad state of mind” admitted Julio Alvarez, “and we need to play against Nastic like it was the last game on earth”. We need to concentrate on this game and think no further” the midfielder added.

His companion Ricardo León talked much the same way. “Nastic is a direct rival” he reminded, 2and we are talking about a vital game”. “We can't think about a loss but how we are going to win”, he emphasised. “The mentality has to be in how to win the three points”, he underlined.

Still, he couldn't not make a reference to the game against Elche in the Martínez Valero: “It is true that we received a goal in the start of the match, although we had chance to score”. He also noted that “The second half was completely ours” and finished saying that “This is where we are and we need to keep battling on”.

Ricardo & Julio Álvarez both preferred not to comment on the crossed words between them at the end of the last game. “I don't want to comment as in moments of stress things happen after games” said the local player.

“It was just a moment of tension between two players” he explained “and of course no one hit any one”. “If there have been statements as such then they were confused, very confused” he stated.

Julio Álvarez also commented, “It was a discussion like many other in the season” he described. “And if someone said we fought then that is blown out of contention”. “This damages everyone, above all the team when things are so uneasy right now”. He admitted that there was a discussion but, “it needed to stay within the players and nothing more”.

As well he said that ”We are hurt by the situation the team finds itself, It hurts to hear things about the team but more so when they are not true”.

We didn't start very well and make the most of our chances which we clear. The mistakes in the first half are not normal and hurt more so. The position we find ourselves in cause this. We deserved more”. This is how Antonio Tapia started his press conference on Sunday in the Martínez Valero, after the team lost against Elche CF. The chief coach had no excuses for the team and said, “In the first half Elche came out very strongly. Slowly we improved and in the second half we dominated and had chance but we didn't score”.

“After a loss and looking at the table everything looks black. There are still points in play. We need to work and look to win” said the trainer from Andalusia. He continued “in situations like this we need to take responsibility and I have no problem to do that”.

“we played like a team in the bottom half and were imprecise and nervous. Then as we felt surer we improved. We deserved to win”, he added. “I came to Tenerife to work hard and won't throw in the towel” was how he concluded.

Other players commented after the game:

Luna: “Again we lost and need to cry. We are cross after this game and the situation we are in right now. We don't need to talk, just show how we can play. This year football has been unfair with us. Things don't work out and even if we try they seem to go wrong. We cant get back even when the team plays hard. We need to think about the next game and how to win”.

Nino: “In Elche I played eight years of my career. Here we really suffered. Some of the mistakes were ours but sometimes the keeper played well. Our rival scored the first shot at goal. It is much the same as other games. If the game today was a final the one against Nastic is more so. We all want to sort this out for the team. We are here for the good times and the bad ones and we can't afford to give anything away”.

Sergio Aragoneses: “This the the same story. We need to react now. There is nothing but to win nearly all the games that are left. We need to be brave, but this could go wrong. We are part of the squad and we need to be united to solve this. It seems that we till we react things are the same. Every game left is a final. We have no place left for mistakes”.

Friday trainers interview - Which keeper will play still unknown

Antonio Tapia was today, Friday interviewed in his habitual press conference where he looked at the variations he has offered in players up to now. “Since I arrived there have been changes from one game to another in the first eleven. We are seeing how the players work and above all how they connect as a group. Based on our need we will adjust who plays”.
In relation to the next game against Rayo Vallecano, the coach from Cordoba pointed out that “It is the leader who is coming which is added motivation but the most important is that we continue to improve. We need to grow as a team, be efficient and obtain results” he added.
Tapia, this way, commented that the victory in Salamanca had, “liberated us, a victory will do this but we need to improve many things and continued to add points. I hope this dynamic continues”.
When asked about the next rival for the blue and white team he stated that “I am concerned with my team. We need to be a competitive group. At home we need to be very strong, which ever rival is here to play. We always need to respect our opponents, but we know if we do things well we can beat any team”.
Lastly, Antonio Tapia analysed the options both Sergio Aragoneses & Luis Garciá had to play in the game on Sunday. “We have two fantastic keepers and we will see what decision to take. I have confidence in both. They are experienced players and the one who plays will help the team to play a good game”, he concluded.

Friday trainers interview - Which keeper will play still unknown

Antonio Tapia was today, Friday interviewed in his habitual press conference where he looked at the variations he has offered in players up to now. “Since I arrived there have been changes from one game to another in the first eleven. We are seeing how the players work and above all how they connect as a group. Based on our need we will adjust who plays”.
In relation to the next game against Rayo Vallecano, the coach from Cordoba pointed out that “It is the leader who is coming which is added motivation but the most important is that we continue to improve. We need to grow as a team, be efficient and obtain results” he added.
Tapia, this way, commented that the victory in Salamanca had, “liberated us, a victory will do this but we need to improve many things and continued to add points. I hope this dynamic continues”.
When asked about the next rival for the blue and white team he stated that “I am concerned with my team. We need to be a competitive group. At home we need to be very strong, which ever rival is here to play. We always need to respect our opponents, but we know if we do things well we can beat any team”.
Lastly, Antonio Tapia analysed the options both Sergio Aragoneses & Luis Garciá had to play in the game on Sunday. “We have two fantastic keepers and we will see what decision to take. I have confidence in both. They are experienced players and the one who plays will help the team to play a good game”, he concluded.

Sergio Aragoneses hopes to play this weekend.

Sergio Aragoneses talked to press, he started talking about how it feels to miss a game for a sanction. “No player wants to miss a game but the joy of seeing the team win can't be taken away. I saw the team who was well prepared and doing all the right things. Lets see if we can repeat that this Sunday”.
When asked if he expects to return to the team this week the keeper replied, “I have faith in my chances and I know what I am capable of. From there, the coach will decide who is in the first eleven”.
Aragoneses, on the other hand also felt that the team need not to relax after the win the the Helmántico arena. “Tenerife will do its best and give everythign to play better than Rayo. We will not relax now we are not last. There is no chance of that”.
On the same theme the player from Galicia stated, “If we do things right, this team can beat any rival. The next round really motivates us and we will need to give one hundred percent”.
To finish the CD Tenerife player wanted to send a message to the fans. “The public wants to see the team play well and win games. The fans are number one in my book and always help us”.

Before the last away game in the first half

CD Tenerife plays this Sunday the last away game of the first half of the league against Ponferrada. There are three home games to be played before the cycle is completed. The group under Juan Carlos Mandía journey to León today Saturday and they are prepared for everything. The finished their weekly training today Saturday with an hour and a half session the the HRL with closed doors.
After the session Mandía offered the list of 18 player who will travel to Ponferrada: Luis García, Marc Bertrán, Carlos Bellvís, Antonio Hidalgo, Pablo Sicilia, Nino, Ricardo, Omar, Sergio Aragoneses, Natalio, Dani Kome, David Prieto, Juanlu Hens, Melli, Julio Álvarez, Mikel Alonso, Iriome &Josmar Zambrano.
Players Beranger & Aitor Núñez, we left out for technical decisions. Josmar Zambrano occupies the position left vacant by defender Ezequiel Luna.

This Saturday in the press room of the Heliodoro the two players who were interviewed were Sergio Aragoneses & Mikel Alonso. Two of the most experienced players in CD Tenerife. Both the Galician and the Basque player were agreed in the importance of the game on Sunday in Ponferrada.
“There is no option but to gain points three by three. We are going to Ponferrada and our only thought is to win. What has happened up to now has to be left behind. We need to think positively”, started the keeper.
“There is dedication and we are prepared to sacrifice but perhaps we are missing other things. We have tried everything in every game but for what ever reason we haven’t managed many victories. The team need to work as a group. We all need to defend and all need to attack”, he added as he was asked what had led the CD Tenerife to the situation they find themselves.
“We hope that in the next few weeks that we will be a turning point in CD Tenerife for this season”, he commented, sending a message to the fans. When asked about the arrival of Sebastián Dubarbier, the first winter signing, Aragoneses stated that “new people bring air fresh air and this is positive”.

For his self, Mikel Alonso started by stating that this Sunday, “is important. Right now we need the points. As well we play a direct rival. It is an urgent game and because of this the result is consuming. We can't continue at the the bottom of the table sunk there”.
When questioned about the bad position in the the classification table and whether the team preferred to play at home in the Heliodoro or away, the midfielder noted that, “Right now it is all the same at home or away because all the points added to the total count the same. Every point is gold. This is what we have been saying the whole league, but week by week our necessity is greater. A victory would be very important. But if I had to choose where to play it would always be in our stadium.”.
Alonso thanked the fans for the warm support the players had received in spite of the situation they team found themselves in the last few months, “The fans have always been at the teams side. Looking at where we are the stadium has been very busy. It is normal that there have been criticisms”.
About Ponferradina he said that “they haven't many points and are in a difficult position. They fight, their game is direct and at home they push hard. They have their own weapons. But if we know how to move the ball we will have our chances”.
“Tenerife is the most important. The rivals game is less important. The group needs to move the situation forward, look that things go right for us. I see the team well, there are no ugly faces, we want to work and are anxious that the weekend game will be here” he concluded.

Players comments during the first week of the year.

There were various player interviews this week and I have put them into this post. On Wednesday David Prieto and Marc were interviewed.

David Prieto is confident that the team will triumph again on Sunday against Albacete Balompié. The central defender for CD Tenerife admitted that “the point we added away from home really counts for us because we managed to draw on two occasions coming back each time. Now we are only thinking about adding the three points at home”.
The blue and white player told that he feels better now after the knock that he received in Real Valladolid “I have some pains in my neck, but nothing more”. This way the island player stated that “in the Heliodoro we want to be strong and achieve triumphs. We know how important it is to win this Sunday. From there we will be able to concentrate and making January a good month”.

David Prieto reminded that “the important game is Albacete, amongst other reasons because it is the next game we play. We need to achieve this victory to make us strong. The way things are, every game is vital. We need to make the point against Valladolid count”.

For his part, Marc Bertrán who also attended the press conference hoped, “to be fit to play this weekend, I feel well and am happy. Last Sunday the team was good and played well. We need to take forward the positive factors from that game”.

Now, the blue and white defender hopes “this will be a new year in all senses. Lets see if the team can move up and recover confidence. At home, with our fans, we need to be strong and play as a competitive team. That's how we can get out from under.”.

Bertrán admitted that “we are concentrated on the weekend and the only thin that is important is Albacete. These are three vital points and right now all I can think about is the situation the group finds itself in, in how to help CD Tenerife leave the relegation zone. The team needs everyone to move forwards”.
He was then asked if he could see himself leaving to which he replied that anything was possible. The following day he rectified this statement saying he thought the question meant in June not in the winter. He confirmed again that he was very committed to the team and really wanted to help them. He then assured the press that he would not be leaving in January.

Wednesday afternnon after training Dani Kome, Natalio, Julio Álvarez, Iriome, Carlos Bellvís, Mikel Alonso & Luis García went to the university hospital to visit children who were staying in the hospital over the holidays.

Also on Thursday, Natalio Lorenzo & Mikel Alonso were the duo who met the press, in the HRL after the training session there.
Natalio started saying, “To get this month on the right track we need to win the next game, this is important”. He followed by saying that “ the fans are really loyal to the team and it is normal that they are fed up with the results. This Sunday, everyone together we will win. The Heliodoro needs to be a fortress”.
Natalio Lorenzo noted that the rival this weekend is “Albacete, they are reinforcing their team so it will be hard. There are three important points in play.
We all know the situation, and we need to meet this situation bravely. We play at home, in the Heliodoro, with all our people and we can show everyone positive moves”.
“The coach is very demanding will each and every one of us. I am trying to bring the best of me to every session and game”, he concluded.
On his side, Mikel Alonso also talked about the unbelievable importance of the game this Sunday against Albacete: “we need the points and more so at home. This could be a good game and e are all keen to bring home the three points. Last Sunday, the team showed they could react. We showed we could play well and that point counts high”.
When asked about the next rival the basque midfielder pointed out that “Albacete right now are direct rivals and we need to beat them to move up”.
“The changing room is in form. But this is a difficult season. We know we need triumphs”. When asked about his future on the island, Alonso only commented that “ I am centered on the club and the tam this isn't the moment to talk about individuals”.

The club also released an in depth interview with Sergio Aragoneses who came to the club the first time in September 2000. His first game then was against Albacete. This Sunday will be the 150th league game he has played for the club. “I always looked up to Luis Miguel Arconada” stated the keeper. “He was a reference for my generation, in Spanish football he was a keeper who marked an era”.

-¿Was CD Tenerife the team who most signified for you as a player?
“The truth is yes. This is the club who gave me the chance to play in the first and second divisions. I am proud to say I play for them and will always be grateful to CDT for these chances”.
-¿Where do you think you would have gone if you hadn't come to play for the blanquiazul in 2000?
“I had some offers but it was here that called me most. especially with the players who were here. I bet that Tenerife was the right choice and I think I made the right decision”.
-¿How could teams like Deportivo, Celta or even at that time teams like Compostela, let a keeper of your qualities go?
“Life is like that. They saw that a prophet is never appreciated in his home town. It is true that I would have loved to play for one of the teams in my region but things didn't work out that way. I am grateful to the teams I had the chance to play for”.
-This Sunday will be the game number 150 in league games you have played for Tenerife?
“ For any player 150 games is an important number of games to have played in one club. To have worn the Tenerife colours all these years and in so many games is wonderful and I hope to keep doing so”.
-¿How do you see the team?
“The group seem calm. Still, we need to be conscious of the situation we find ourselves in and we all take part in this worry. We need to go out to every game as if it is a authentic final to try to achieve the three points each round. The most important objective right now is to save the team. For this we need a lot of points. We need to start now, this Sunday, to aspire to stop being last”.
-Next month you will be 34 and you seem fit enough top go on playing for a while
“I hope so. I find I am well both physically and mentally. I still have the same hopes and dreams as when I started and no one can take them away”.
-¿Can you see yourself any where else in another team who aren't Tenerife?
“Right now I see myself here. I am very comfortable here both professionally and personally. It is the club who found me and bought me her to the island, I feel like another Tenerifian”.
-If anything with the passing of time the fans seem to esteem you more and more......
“Trust develops little by little. In my case, I had two stages in Tenerife which were completely different. This is one of the reasons I am proud of the support of the fans”.
-¿Any message for the Tenerife fan base?
“To the fans I can only ask that they maintain the support we have seen for the last three years. They are especially good and this will help us move out from the bottom of the table”.