Tenerife’s Coach Reveals Strategic Changes Ahead of Alcalá Match

CD Tenerife’s head coach, Álvaro Cervera, has announced a revamped lineup for the upcoming match against Real Sociedad Deportiva Alcalá, part of the first round of the prestigious Copa del Rey. This decision comes as the team seeks to regain its footing following a challenging period in the league.

Match Details and Venue

The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to take place at the Estadio Municipal El Val, with kickoff set for 19:30 local time in the beautiful Canary Islands. This venue recently hosted a match where Tenerife’s B team faced a narrow 1-0 defeat in the Second Federation, raising concerns about the team’s current form and performance levels.

Player Adjustments and Squad Changes

Cervera confirmed that Gabri De Vuyst will take the position of goalkeeper for this crucial match, with Sergio Aragoneses stepping in as the substitute. Regular first-choice goalkeeper Dani Martín is sidelined due to physical discomfort and will not be making the trip to Alcalá, prompting the coach to make strategic adjustments to the squad.

In a notable development, midfielder Alberto Ulloa, who has shown impressive performance with the Tenerife B team, will be included in the squad and officially join the first team moving forward. This promotion reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in Ulloa’s abilities and potential to contribute positively to the team’s efforts.

The coach emphasized his intention to provide playing time to less prominent players in the Primera Federación rather than relying solely on those from the B team. Cervera stated that doing otherwise would be a disrespect to the first team members who have been working hard to earn their place. This approach aims to foster a sense of unity and motivation within the squad.

With injuries to key players Marc Mateu and Javi Pérez, several other players are expected to seize their opportunity to shine. Among those likely to feature prominently are César Álvarez, Fabricio Assis, Jeremy Jorge, Mahamadou Balde, Maikel Mesa, Dani Fernández, and Fran Sabina. Each of these players will be eager to prove their worth and help the team turn its fortunes around.

Team Performance and Future Outlook

Cervera highlighted the necessity for Tenerife to restore its reputation as a reliable team after experiencing two consecutive losses and failing to score in their last three matches. Despite currently holding the top position in their group within the Primera Federación, the recent struggles have raised alarm bells among fans and club officials alike.

The recent struggles have drawn the attention of club officials, with Cervera acknowledging their concerns. He stated, “Yes, they have spoken with me; there are things we agree on and others we don’t. I know the world I am in; I am quite experienced in this and the first to admit that the team is not doing well. We need to change things, even if that doesn’t necessarily mean we will find the solution, we must keep searching.” This candid admission reflects Cervera’s commitment to addressing the issues head-on and finding a way to improve the team’s performance.

In a strategic move to enhance their competitive edge, Cervera revealed that the team will no longer publicly disclose their matchday squads. This decision aligns with the practices of their opponents and aims to avoid any competitive disadvantage. He shared an anecdote about arriving at Barakaldo’s stadium last Friday, only to find it closed and having to wait outside until it opened, highlighting the unpredictable nature of football logistics.

He concluded by noting the significant differences in infrastructure and the challenges faced, stating, “However, we are in this category due to our own shortcomings, and we must try to lift the club from here.” This statement underscores the importance of resilience and determination as the team navigates through this challenging phase.

Key points

• Álvaro Cervera will field a different lineup for the Copa del Rey match against Alcalá.
• The match is set for 19:30 at Estadio Municipal El Val.
• Gabri De Vuyst will start as goalkeeper due to Dani Martín’s injury.
• Alberto Ulloa is promoted to the first team after strong performances with the B team.
• Cervera aims to give playing time to less prominent players in the Primera Federación.
• Tenerife has suffered two consecutive defeats and has not scored in three matches.
• The team will no longer publicly announce matchday squads.