Real Oviedo captain Alejandro Arribas today spoke to the media in the Press Room at El Requexón.

Ahead of Saturday's fixture, and asked how the squad is doing going into the clash with Sporting, the centre back stated that "there are a lot of people here from last season, and in our daily work we let the new lads know what it means to the club, to us, and to the fans. Whoever plays, they are going to show that."

Asked what the team from the capital of Asturias will have to do in order to get the three points at the Carlos Tartiere, the defender believes that "it's all about raising our games, putting in a great performance, producing a bit more offensively to get goals, and carrying the weight of the match. It's going to be difficult, but we are going to go out at full throttle to get the three points." In addition, regarding the way the opponent has been approaching the match, Arribas reasoned that "for them it's their Champions League final and their most important match in recent years. They've said that. We're approaching it in the same way as the other derbies. It's a unique match in front of our fans, and we have to put in a good performance to get the three points."

Saturday will see the Carlos Tartiere open once more without any limitations on capacity, which will mean a large number of Oviedistas present. Discussing that matter, the captain said that "it can only be a positive. They are going to help us, push us on, and be the twelfth man that we are all looking for. We have been looking forward to a home derby with fans."

Asked about the fact that there will be no Sporting fans in the away end, after the club rejected tickets for the match, Arribas highlighted that "our fans never leave us on our own. They've made their decision and we don't care. We will have more home fans and more support."

Finally, speaking on an individual level, having had less playing time this campaign than in previous seasons, Alejandro Arribas admitted that "I'll never get used to this situation, I want to play. The Coach isn't picking me and that's his decision, but I am prepared for whatever I am needed for."