Real Oviedo goalkeeper Nereo Champagne today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
Before speaking to the gathered press, the keeper wished to “thank the people who are helping me with my recovery. My wife, my children, Vicente del Moral and Manolo, the medical team, physios and Michi...they’ve all given up holiday time for me. (I’m also grateful) to the coaching staff and my teammates, the kitmen and the fans, who’ve all shown concern for me.”
The stopper admitted that “we are still in the recovery process, but we are meeting deadlines. I’m better now. Not at 100%, but feeling better.”
Regarding his recovery, Nereo highlighted that “there was family sacrifice to spend the holidays in Oviedo, but it was about recovering and getting back to what I like doing. I was happy to make the sacrifice. I’m still not fully recovered, but there have been no setbacks. I’ve always been aiming at getting back for the start of the season, but we’re taking it astep at a time and making sure everything keeps going well. I want to arrive at the first matchday in the best possible shape.” In addition, with respect to the discomfort, the Argentinian said that “I’d been in pain for a while and knew I had to get rid of it. I’m excited for what’s to come, and hungry to train every day. I’m enjoying it more than in my first season.”
Asked about the competition with Alfonso Herrero and the work being done by youth-team keeper Alberto, Champagne reasoned that, “it’s good because we know we can make each other stronger. Alfonso is a great teammate. We know what we have to give, and demand it of ourselves. The Coach will make the call. I’ve not been with Alberto much, but he seems a polite and hardworking lad. He knows why he’s here and gives 100% in training.”
With respect to the squad being put together, Nereo stated that “I can see a good team, with a strong base. The lads moving up from the youth team are coming into it off a great season and are fully involved. They have to earn trust and look at Jimmy as an example. It’s important to be together. We all know each other here, except Javi (Fernández) and Marco (Sangalli), and we know what we can each give. It’s good to get things underway and get to know each other.”
Finally, ahead of the coming season, the keeper concluded by saying “you see what you are made of in the tough moments. Last year we were lacking a little bit and we are hoping to take the final step to meet our targets. The level rises each year, but that’s football. It will be a nice challenge.”
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