The Real Oviedo coach, Guillermo Almada, appeared before the media ahead of this Sunday's match at the Carlos Tartiere against Sevilla, in a key duel in the fight for survival.
The Carbayón coach explained that the competitive break affected the weekly training due to absences: “Between injured players and those on international duty, we had few players to work with. We relied on the reserve team to complete sessions and tried to maintain the intensity of what we had been doing.” Even so, he highlighted that the group is now back together and eager to “make up for the last match.”
Regarding the league standings, Almada was firm and optimistic: “I’ve told the players: we cannot stop fighting and battling on the field. We are going to give it our all, aiming for a victory that brings us closer to staying up.”
As for his future, the coach was clear: “I am focused on solving daily challenges. It is an honor to be at Real Oviedo, and I feel supported, but we cannot lose focus on the upcoming matches.”
Regarding the opponent, Almada pointed out the versatility of the Sevillian team: “Sevilla has different tactical options and players who can adapt to various ideas. We will have to adjust, but we also need to aim to be the protagonists.” He also acknowledged that there is a “desire for revenge” after the first-leg match.
The coach also commented on the return of the international players, highlighting that “they have come back in good shape, although understandably tired from the travel,” and admitted that the absences will require adjustments to the starting lineup.
Looking ahead to the final stretch of the season, the message was clear: “If any player gives up, I will not count on them. We have to fight until the end, for ourselves, for our families, and for the fans.” Along those lines, he emphasized that the locker room is committed and determined to turn around the image from the last match.
Finally, Almada insisted on staying focused solely on the present: “We cannot be distracted by future situations. We owe it to our people, and we must only think about this season.”