Dani Calvo: "Real Oviedo has to defend the interests of the club and its fans"

Dani Calvo appeared this Wednesday in the press room of El Requexón to review the current situation of Real Oviedo, with special attention to the suspension of the match against Rayo Vallecano, the next league commitment, and his recent renewal with the blue entity.

The captain explained how the team experienced the moments prior to the suspension of the match in Vallecas, a situation marked by uncertainty. "We experienced it with a lot of uncertainty. We saw the statement from the Rayo squad on the bus going to Madrid and already suspected that something was going to happen," he said. Dani Calvo acknowledged that there was communication with the AFE and that a possible suspension was already being discussed, although until the end the team thought the match could be played. "We thought it might be possible to play because everything was ready and the fans were coming. It was a blow for everyone," he stated.

In this regard, the central defender considered it logical for the club to defend its rights, without losing sight of the importance of playing the match as soon as possible. "It is normal for the club to fight for the three points, but also for the match to be played as soon as possible. Real Oviedo has to fight for its interests and those of its fans."

Dani Calvo also showed his solidarity with the Rayo Vallecano players after learning about the state of the Vallecas pitch. "There were teammates who spoke with people from Rayo, and they told them that the conditions were appalling. We stand in solidarity with them because they are working in deplorable conditions," he explained. Furthermore, he was clear in pointing out that the situation should have been prevented earlier. "I have always read that fields need weeks or almost a month for the grass to settle. It was impossible for it to be fine in less than a week."

The blue captain was critical of the management of the match postponement. "A bit of a circus," he summarized, before adding that the club tried to contact the president of Rayo without getting a response. Dani Calvo expressed his doubts about the procedure followed and lamented that the decision came just a few hours before the start of the match. "It's a joke to say we are the best league in the world. We don't know if we are going to play this Thursday, it seems not, but we need those three points."

Regarding a possible new date for the match, the defender insisted that Real Oviedo must defend its interests to the end. "The club has to go to the end. For me, it would be disappointing to play this match in May because who knows how the teams will be by then. It would distort the competition. If it is not played as soon as possible, Real Oviedo must fight to the end."

The central defender also referred to the treatment received from LaLiga, especially regarding the schedules. "They are outrageous for Real Oviedo. I know the club has complained, and they just give you excuses, so you have to put up with it," he said, also supporting the stance expressed by Santi Cazorla. "Santi expressed his opinion, and we all agree."

On a personal level, Dani Calvo spoke about his renewal with the club, which came during an especially complicated week. "I chose the worst week to renew," he commented with a laugh, before thanking the trust he received. "I'm not playing, but my day-to-day doesn't change, and that seems to be valued. At the end of November, we started talking, and I wasn't surprised because they have always shown me a lot of trust."

The captain was emphatic in valuing what Real Oviedo means in his career. "It is the most important club of my career. Oviedo and Real Oviedo, for me and my family, is the club that will leave a mark on us. I am delighted to continue and now focused on staying in the division."

On a sporting level, Dani Calvo expressed his readiness for when the team needs him. "I am always ready to play, that's why I train, even if the coach doesn't pick me. If David is not available, I am ready," he assured. About the next opponent, he added: "Athletic comes somewhat strengthened, but that shouldn't matter to us. We have to win the match, especially at home, with our people. We have to win no matter what."

Finally, he highlighted the team's mental strength during a demanding moment of the season. "The team has something very positive: it has been nine points away from safety and has not stopped showing up. Our mentality is that we are strong and improving since Almada's arrival." Regarding the winter market, he preferred to be cautious: "Time will tell. For now, the signings haven't had much prominence. The core of the team has to pull this off, that unity has to be key."