Real Oviedo defender, Christian Fernández, appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón ahead of the first training session of the week.
Speaking after the first three LaLiga matches of the season, the defender believes that, “we have to be optimistic. We know we have things to improve on, but we are on the right track. We have had two away games. They were our Achilles heel last season, but we’ve resolved it. We need to be strong at home and extend our run of away form.”
With respect to the way of working at the start of the season, Christian declared that, “the ideas are clear, and we need to be a team. We have a small squad, but we have options, which makes life easier for the Coach. We are optimistic, but we won’t forget that this is football and things change from one day to the next. We have continuity in the project and the knowhow of the players who were here last season, which makes things easier; along with the ability of the new signings and the day-to-day work. We want more, and we will show it at the weekend.”
Regarding his feelings on a personal level and his change in position, from full back to centre back, the defender assured that, “I went into the season feeling good. I wasn’t 100% match fit, but I had a good base. In general terms, it’s been a good start. It’s slightly different out on the pitch this year. Playing with three centre backs didn’t really determine my position. We have changed formation this season and I am an out-and-out centre back, with greater responsibility.”
Asked about the next opponent, Real Zaragoza, the centre back said that, “when you talk about Real Zaragoza you think of a historic club, who fought for promotion last season. They have strengthened very well, as well as having continuity in the squad. They have consolidated, and it will be difficult. I know that we perform well at home and that we are competitive. I was worried about how we would do away from home. They were two difficult games, but we responded well, and in two different ways. It’s made me positive, and I hope we can keep it going.”
Speaking about the match in Cádiz, Christian admitted that, “it was a match that seemed destined to be 0-0. We were good defensively and fully committed. Conceding the penalty was a shame, but we need to focus on the positives. Now we have to move forward, become more solid and keep clean sheets.”
Finally, talking about the coming weeks and his view on the team, the Carbayón centre back highlighted that, “we have to be ambitious, but without losing perspective. It’s all about having your ideas clear and getting to 50 points. We need to be sensible, build solid foundations, and then think about other objectives. I always look how far we are above the relegation zone before looking upwards,” concluded Christian.
