Real Oviedo Head Coach Juan Antonio Anquela appeared in the Press Room at the Carlos Tartiere before travelling to Zaragoza.

After the return of Ibra to the group and regarding the possibility of him being in the matchday squad for Friday, the Jaen-born coach affirmed that “we are going to wait until the final all-clear is given. One more week.”


When asked about the change of scenery for the training session and the short week, Anquela acknowledges that “this week the training conditions were phenomenal. We came to a pitch that was ready and perfect for us to
work on. It’s true that we have only had a few days to prepare for the match, but we made the arrangements we thought were necessary for everyone individually.”

Speaking about possible changes to the starting eleven against Zaragoza, the Coach believes that “there is little to change. We are doing things well and we have to continue competing and remain solid.” Moreover, when asked about the importance of achieving the fourth victory in a row, the Jaen-born coach considers that “it will be difficult, but I’m holding on to the team’s performances. The other day we won with quality and personality. I want more, but I can’t complain.”

Talking about the next opponent, Real Zaragoza, Anquela pointed out that “we are visiting the most difficult stadium in the Second Division. They are the highest-profile team in the division. We are treating Zaragoza with respect and caution, but we know that we are ready to compete and produce a good match there. Each game is its own story and we’ve got to take each one individually. The team is doing that well.”

Commenting on the team’s good form in 2019, the Coach pointed out that “what I most value about this team is that they never stopped believing. That’s the most important thing and we’ve had this belief in the good times
and in the bad. We are going to continue this way. We understand that we have eighteen players going to Zaragoza and we all have to do our part. That is what I ask for and I believe that we are achieving that.”

Finally, when asked about the defensive improvements, the Real Oviedo coach concluded that “if you are united and you know what to do at all times, then it’s easy. Hopefully it will last.”