Real Oviedo defender Simone Grippo today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
After returning to the starting eleven in yesterday's match at Anxo Carro, Grippo declared his happiness, highlighting that "I am a sportsman and I like to compete. I was happy with the victories in recent weeks. If the team wins then I am the happiest player in the squad, regardless of whether I've played or not. I felt good coming back into the team yesterday and beginning to compete again, however."
Defence is perhaps the position where the highest level of competition exists. Discussing that matter, the Swiss centre back said that "it's very healthy and it is what you need. The four of us that can play there are doing well and it's not easy for the Coach. Each of us has to accept our role. There are a lot of games to play, and we are all happy." In addition, the centre back highlighted the qualities of his colleagues at the heart of the defence, saying that "with regards to Carlos (Hernández), I rate his defensive intensity. He wins a lot of challenges. Christian (Fernández) brings the ball out well and is solid. With Arribas I'd pick out his pace
the way we communicate."
With respect to the point earnt yesterday at Anxo Carro and what it will mean as the season progresses, Grippo admitted that "we go out to win; that is our mentality. We were closer to winning yesterday and we will go into the coming matches in the same way. We need points. I think that the team is working and we are a strong group. We are good defensively during the matches."
The next two matches will see Real Oviedo play at home at the NMR Carlos Tartiere, against Almería and Alcorcón. Regarding the importance of back-to-back home matches, the Swiss player said that "it's all different without fans. Being at home with our fans would be a plus. It still is one, but we are missing them. We are strong at the NMR Carlos Tartiere, however."
Finally, asked how the memory of last season helps in the day-to-day work, the centre back stated that "it's important that we forget about it. It was intense and difficult. It's a whole new season and we have to keep working. I hope we can move up towards the top of the table."
