Real Oviedo Captain Borja Bastón appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón today ahead of training.
Today saw another training session at El Requexón, with the first-team squad preparing for Saturday's clash with Real Sporting. Going into the encounter, the forward declared that the team is "focused, because we know that it's an important match. All of the matches have been important, but we have the extra determination provided by the fact that it's a derby."
Regarding the upcoming derby, the forward highlighted that "there is always tension and nerves in these matches, but right now the table is very tight and the head-to-head record is important. It's important in that aspect." In addition, with respect to the two sides' form and how it could affect the match, the striker believes that "form doesn't come into it. There are a lot of factors at play and recent results don't matter. We know the importance of it, which is why we need to keep cool heads and warm hearts."
Asked about the opponent and Real Oviedo's good record in the derby in recent years, the Captain argued that "it's not the time to show off, but we have always done well in the derby. Every one is different and you have to know how to play it. We are confident that we can get the three points. Sporting have a good team, they will have the fans behind them, and they will try to use their home advantage. We are going to give it everything in the derby, though. How we start will be important, and they will come out strongly at home. We have to show personality, stick together, and try to get the first goal."
Discussing the role of Luis Carrión and what he gives to each player and to the squad, Borja Bastón highlighted that "the Gaffer is top class and I am grateful for his trust. It's important to have people who see your work and what you can contribute. Luis is a brave person, he wants us to dominate and to be aggressive on the pitch. Every coach has their beliefs, but he has a clear way of playing and we enjoy it. We will give it everything. Thanks to the Gaffer's work the team has the belief that we are going to do things well in every match."
Finally, talking about how the squad transmits the derby feeling to the new players, Borja Bastón commented that "they ask all of us who have been here for longer about it. It's a derby that is known throughout Spain, a fiery derby with a huge rivalry. We try to transmit calm to them, encourage them to enjoy it, and tell them that all that matters is winning and the morale boost it brings."
