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Anquela: I want to see the stadium bursting at the seams

In his official presentation, the new head coach of Real Oviedo stated that "the key is in competing and inspiring the fans, in building a quality team and getting to work"

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Earlier today at a press conference held at Carlos Tartiere Stadium, Juan Antonio Anquela was presented as the new coach of Real Oviedo.

The native of Jaén was accompanied by the president of the organization, Jorge Menéndez Vallina, who welcomed the new Real Oviedo coach and emphasized Anquela´s willingness to join the campaign: "We thank you for accepting this challenge, which is an important one. You know that you are joining a special team, for its fan base, its history, and its ownership. We know where we are and we hope that you achieve great success here. We are happy to have you here, it has been an easy negotiation to make, and we wish you the best".

The Andalusian trainer began by stating that "the history of Real Oviedo is a long one, this isn´t the first time that I have met with the club. When I finished with my team earlier this year, my representative told me that there was the possibility to come to Real Oviedo, and I didn't´t hesitate for a moment. I spoke with Arturo and it felt right. What the Grupo Carso is doing for Real Oviedo is remarkable and I sincerely hope it all turns out as we would like it to". Additionally, regarding the call held via México, Anquela continued, saying that ''it was an incredibly kind conversation, he welcomed me and thanked me. In reality, I´m the one who needs to say thanks, just for being here. We spoke about football, which for me comes more naturally than basic multiplication. Football has made me this way, and my point of view isn´t going to change from now until the end of the season".

When asked about his hopes for the future of the club, Anquela assured that "I want to achieve the best, and the best is to build a quality team and to see the stadium (which has made my hair stand on end each time I´ve visited) erupt. We are going to fight to be the team I have always wanted to manage". Additionally, concerning the challenge that lies ahead for the roster, Anquela indicated that "with every team I am a part of, I always give myself the same challenge: to work and give all we have. I have the opportunity to do that now with a club as incredible as Real Oviedo, and I hope to embody everything this club represents".

When asked about solidifying the roster, and any possible transfers, the Jaén man stressed that "when I spoke with the club, they made it clear. They will decide who goes, and together we will decide who joins. I think that is all there is to be said, for now, and in a few days all will be revealed. I have come to build a good football team with the players we have currently, and to later compete and inspire hope within the fans, the city, and the people at Grupo Carso who have grown this business and will continue to do so".

Regarding his preferences when it comes to looking for players in the transfer market, the Real Oviedo trainer insisted that "we haven't had much time until now, and now we need to remain calm and deliberate. I already mentioned that not anyone can play at Real Oviedo, the Tartiere eats up even the best of players. To triumph at Real Oviedo, one needs to understand the mission clearly, compete, and withstand the pressure of the history and the supporters". In addition, the *carbayón* coach reiterated that "everything must be done with a sense of calm. The entire world acknowledges that Real Oviedo is a powerful team, but Real Oviedo pays attention to costs and does so correctly. If we lived beyond our means, we would have problems. We have to sign exactly what we want and get it right. It's like melons--what was perfect last year may not be ripe this year, so we will go forward with deliberation and strive to make the smallest amount
of mistakes possible". 

Concerning what he expected Real Oviedo's position to be in the upcoming season in Liga 1|2|3, Juan Antonio Anquela understands that "football doesn't let you know where your spot is. Look at the teams that have been relegated. The second league is a constant battle and we need to prepare ourselves. The key is to compete and inspire the supporters, I want to see the stadium bursting at the seams. With even 15,000 fans the stadium roars, and I can't imagine how it will be when it's filled to the brim".

When asked about the style of play he wishes to pass on to his new team, the Andalusian replied, "That is the million dollar question. I always approach a team with a clear idea of how to play, but afterwards I watch, analyze, and work to understand the best way to compete. We need good players, players that can withstand the pressure and the rhythm of the Second Division. Every game is a battle and you have to know the ground you are walking on. I am here to make a good team and work hard".

When questioned about the palpable anxiety regarding Real Oviedo's return to La Liga Santander, Anquela said, "We need to proceed smoothly. Look at how Getafe has been promoted, on the 25th of June. We need to fight until the end and if we can ensure promotion before then, even better. This is the Second Division and we need to compete every Sunday. There's an enormous amount of equality between teams, just look at the teams that have been relegated. At the beginning of the season, those squads were ready to ascend and look at where they are now. We have to be prepared to compete and to work, it's the only way to reap the fruits of the labor".

The new technical director was asked what has stood out most since his arrival in Oviedo, and he responded saying that "the press conference has awoken a curiosity within me. I've never seen one with so many people, except at Real Madrid. I've yet to see so many reporters, and so united as they are here".

Finally, concerning the derby this season, Anquela affirmed that "it has to be precious. We need to compete with all we have so that the week is sweet, knowing what that game represents and what that game means. We are ready for it to be very sweet".

After the presentation at the press conference, the Real Oviedo trainer headed to the pitch where nearly one thousand Oviedistas welcomed him enthusiastically and wished him the best of luck. Anquela proceeded to visit the Tensi sports facility to greet the first group of youth participants at Campus Real Oviedo, which began today. There, the children sang "Happy Birthday" to club president Jorge Menéndez Vallina, and were able to voice any concerns to the new coach, as well as give him their affection.