Real Oviedo Head Coach, Juan Antonio Anquela, appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón following another day of work for the first team squad, as they prepare for Saturday’s league fixture against Almería.
The Coach began by analysing the effect going into the match with various suspensions will have on the group, reassuring that, “this is something which happens in football, and we must overcome it. We’ve been doing that all year, and we aren’t going to change our way of doing things. With respect to this weekend, we will see what we have available and then decide how to set the team up on the pitch.” In addition, regarding the possibility for players who haven’t had much game time to come into the team and get their chance, the Coach said that, “they need to step up, and I am sure they will do well.”
With respect to Saturday’s match against Almería, Anquela sees it as “very difficult, because they are a good team. We will struggle if we don’t play well. That’s how it is every match, and how the Segunda División is. The Almería match is the most important one, without any doubt.”
Relating to the state of the Tartiere, following the last match played there in December, the Real Oviedo Head Coach was relaxed. “I haven’t asked about the pitch. The pitch is the same for both teams, and we aren’t going to change our way of doing things. I suppose that the pitch will be better, they have fixed it.”
Asked about the state of Fabbrini, the Coach commented that, “he’s looking good, but the pitch puts everyone in their place. Next week he will begin to train with the group and we will treat him like any other injured
player. We’ll see if we’re lucky and he can come back in as soon as possible. We have to hold him back every day, and it’s a great step that he’s here now. We’ll see if he can come in little by little. If he’s ok, then I suppose he will be like a great January signing. For the moment we just have to think about Almería. If we aren’t at 100%, then we won’t win. If we think any other way, then we will go wrong. The only thing I
have in my head is that it will be difficult against a good team.”
Talking about the Andalusian side, Anquela described them as “a solid team that are now getting better results. They have been made to go for promotion, like all the teams.”
In addition, the Real Oviedo Head Coach displayed caution regarding the Winter transfer window. “I only worry about what I have, and if somebody can come then they’re welcome. These things go slowly, and you have to use your head. If new players come, then they are welcome. We must do things calmly and with patience so that everything works out. That’s the main objective and we are on the right track.”
Finally, regarding the options for various players to come in in different positions, the Coach made it clear that, “we need to go with people who give everything to compete. If we don’t go with everything, we won’t defeat Almería,” he concluded.
