As one rookie managerial appointment grabbed the days headlines, CD Tenerife’s own novice Pep Marti got more proof that the dream job can so easily become a nightmare. Sloppy defending and a suicidal rush of blood from goalie Dani Hernandez left a Teide sized mountain to climb with a 0-2 half time deficit that was chipped back for a 1-2 loss to Alcorcon.
There’s a problem with the CD Tenerife engine room, it’s not firing properly, Vitolo and Aitor Sanz are both past their best, we could risk one each game but the pair together leave our strikers isolated. At the other end of the spectrum, the local kids are still learning and not mentally tough, Jorge and Cristo Gonzalez both looked dispirited at the end of the game. These are problems that Pep Marti has inherited and may be addressed in the transfer window but stamping out basic errors will be a stern test of the coach’s credentials.
Jorge is a player I rate but he had a mare in the centre of defence and was bailed out a few times in the first half by his team mates. Jon Aurtenetxe responded well to the signing of Saul and had a solid game, he chested the ball down to Dani after just 10 minutes to break up an Alcorcon raid. The keeper made a couple of decent stops as former Brighton player David Rodriguez showed why CDT tried to sign him a couple of seasons ago.
Up front though Cristo and Choco could have taken up knitting as they waited for some encouragement. A 0-0 half time score would have been welcome but after 41 minutes the centre of the park opened up with Jorge missing in action, Campana hit a speculative shot that hit Oscar Plano and deflected into the net. Three minutes later there was grazing room again in front of the Tenerife goal, Plano raced trough and couldn’t believe his luck when Dani panicked and lunged towards him. It was a gift, the Alcorcon player went down and Rodriguez buried the spot kick. Dani was lucky only to get a yellow card but it punctured the mood of the evening.
The second half was a bit better from Tenerife but they were chasing shadows, Suso was predictable and Omar departed to give Tommy Martinez 30 minutes. The River Plate loanee again showed that he is worth a starting place, he makes thing happen and is full of running. Nano came on for Suso and Cristian Garcia finally reappeared after his injury troubles, he is certainly a candidate for a prolonged midfield run. Aurtenetxe supplied a good feed for Choco after 78 minutes and his goal gave some hope but time was against us. Tommy gave Djene the jitters, the defender just about juggled his shot away and a later Tommy long shot wasn’t too far off target.
It wasn’t the start to 2016 that the 8,742 crowd was hoping for, home form has got to count for something if we are to avoid a relegation battle. January additions will play a big part in shaping our season, it’s tough though shopping in the bargain bucket, Pep Marti must be very envious of his richer rookie colleague.