Real Oviedo defender Alejandro Arribas today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
Yesterday saw a training match at the Tartiere. How do you feel three months on? How do you think you're all doing physically?*
- Good, I think it's been good for everyone. The team is prepared after some demanding weeks. We are ready for the eleven matches.
A lot has been said about this type of 'preseason'. How does the team approach the return of the league season knowing that there are 11 matches left to escape relegation?
- The team is going to take it game by game, in the knowledge that the sooner we get the points for survival, the better. We are only thinking about the match against Ponferradina.
What do you think about the possibility of some matches being played in front of fans?
- We'd all like to play in front of fans, but it's out of our hands. We'd particularly like it since we have two home games in a row.
Which tactics have changed in terms of the team's way of defending following the change in coach?
Ziganda asks us to defend together and to reduce the spaces. The team has to keep clean sheets to win points. The Coach is stressing his ideas and I think that the team has taken a step forward.
You ended the 'season' in the starting eleven and with the team in good form. Do you think that could see you starting again now? Does that give you an advantage? How do you feel on an individual level?
- I train every day and try to do everything as well as possible. I always give everything, and it will be the Coach who decides. I will try to improve. I feel good physically and at a good level.
After returning to the Tartiere at last, how is the pitch doing ahead of the season's resumption?
- It's quite a lot better. The pitch is good, and I hope it stays that way.
There are now two consecutive matches at the Carlos Tartiere, but in circumstances we have never seen before. Do you think that the home teams will have their normal advantage, or will a lot be lost due to the lack of an atmosphere?
- It's lost. The fans supporting you is crucial, but I think we have to get used to it. We are prepared for whatever is coming.
Will experience be helpful when it comes to competing in a situation like this?
- Obviously experience is important. We also have young players who are very capable and any of us can do the job perfectly well.
What has Ziganda focused on most during the training sessions?
- The Coach is working hard and focusing on defence and attack. The team is taking steps forward. We are ready for Friday's objective, which is to win.
What things do you need to keep in mind regarding Ponferradina?
- They are putting together a good season. They have great players and it will be difficult. We are concentrating on getting the three points.