The coach of Real Oviedo, Guillermo Almada, appeared in the press room of El Requexón ahead of this Saturday's match against Rayo Vallecano and was clear: the blue coach considers the clash as "a final" on the path towards the goal of staying in the league.
"The match against Rayo is another final. If the previous ones already were, this one even more so, because a positive result brings us closer to the positions we all want," said Almada, who insisted that this type of match should be an added motivation for the team. "Facing decisive matches is part of enjoying this profession. We are very motivated and eager to continue on the upward path."
Asked about the transfer market and the team's composition, the blue coach was optimistic and satisfied with the group he has at his disposal. "I look at what I have inside and I am optimistic by nature. I know the club made the maximum efforts to strengthen the squad, but for various reasons, it didn't happen. There are no reproaches for anyone."
Almada emphasized the commitment of the locker room and daily work as keys to continue growing. "We have a very committed squad. Our job is to make them grow collectively and individually and to move this project forward."
The coach positively valued the fans' spirit after the victory against Real Oviedo, highlighting the connection between the team and the stands. "That our people are happy gives us the greatest drive day by day. We have to keep transmitting things from the inside out and bring them joy."
In that sense, he was clear about what the current situation demands: "We have to win. In football, the truth lies in the results. We have to try to be superior, but if we need to bring desire, determination, solidarity, and be combative, we must do that too."
Almada stressed mental strength as a determining factor. "I always say that this profession is wonderful, but it is also a thorny path. We will encounter obstacles, and we have to know how to overcome them. The mind is as important or even more so than the physical."
The coach confirmed that the squad is in a good mental state after the last victory. "When you win, the atmosphere changes, and that generates confidence. Since we arrived, there has been growth, and that is important."
Additionally, he highlighted the recovery of Eric Bailly: "He gave us very good performances before the injury. He is in the process of regaining his form, but he is better and will surely be in the squad."
Regarding Thiago Fernández, Almada was cautious: "He hasn't played for a year. We have to manage his minutes to avoid relapses. It's unlikely he will play more than 60 minutes, but he has trained very well."
He also had words for Luka Ilic: "He is a player with very good qualities. He had opportunities to leave during this transfer window, but he wanted to stay. We are working to help him regain confidence and show his worth."
As for the state of the Vallecas pitch, the coach was clear: "We are not in a position to be elitist. Whatever the condition of the field, we have to adapt quickly."
Regarding Rayo Vallecano, he showed respect but maintained the team's identity: "They have very good players and a good coach, but we are going to try to go out and look for the match as always, both at home and away."
Almada avoided looking beyond the short term. "I know the points that are more or less needed, but thinking further ahead would be a mistake. The important thing is the immediate."
Finally, he made it clear that the team will fight until the end to stay in the league: "We are not thinking about relegation. We are going to fight with everything we have on the field to stay in the category. I am optimistic and only thinking about the Rayo match. We are going to give everything we have and more."