Real Oviedo Head Coach, Juan Antonio Anquela, appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón to preview Monday’s encounter against Real Zaragoza at the Carlos Tartiere.
As has become the norm in the build-up to recent matches, Juan Antonio Anquela began by offering an update on injuries. “At the moment there’s no change, but perhaps we’ll have somebody back for next week. We must stay calm and keep going.” Asked about Viti’s return to the squad, the coach stated that “he was almost ready and then he noticed he had a slight discomfort. With these things it’s best to wait.”
Regarding the defeat in Albacete and how it affects the group as they prepare for a new league encounter, Juan Antonio Anquela said that, “I’ve not forgotten about it. It’s the worst week I’ve had here. We were close and we let it get away from us. It’s difficult to pick up points, and then when they were there for the taking we were unable to stay patient and hold onto them. We are now thinking about the next game but we won’t forget it, because if we do then we may repeat it.”
Talking about the next opponent, Zaragoza, and what he will instil in his side to counter the threat of the opposition, the Real Oviedo coach said that, “I’m just as concerned as always. Every week I analyse the opponent and I am there with worries and doubts. Zaragoza are a big club in this league and have one clear objective; promotion. They’re a huge club in the Segunda División, with very good players who will make it difficult for
us. We must be at our best and have some luck. We must compete, play well, and have luck on our side. I want us to be a solid team, playing good football, and performing at the same level as our fans.” In addition, with regard to whether he wanted to see a similar Real Oviedo to that which played against Cádiz, Juan Antonio Anquela said that, “That must be the model to follow. That’s the way we must play to win matches. People think that it’s easy to win in the Second Division, but it’s not. Teams win in this league when they can, not when they want to.”
Asked about what it means to return to play at home at the Carlos Tartiere, with the fans pushing the team on in pursuit of the three points, the Head Coach said that, “playing in the Tartiere is amazing. I wish I were younger and could do it myself! They fill us with responsibility and show us affection. Reaching the level of these fans is almost impossible, but we have to try it.”
Finally, talking about the impact of playing on Monday, and how it changes the week’s preparations for the match, the Coach declared that, “We plan the week based on when we play. We will be watched all over Spain on Monday, which is very nice. We are in a great league, and we are going to try to do well in it. I’m focused on the team being mentally prepared. The only thing that worries me is losing fans in the ground, but I am calm about absolutely everything else,” concluded the Head Coach.
