Real Oviedo defender Simone Grippo today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.

With the second week of preseason training now underway, the centre back admitted that "it's been intense, and a lot of work. Not a lot changes from one year to the next; the objective is always to get fit. We are doing fitness work, but also ball work. We have to improve in possession and get the ball forward quicker. That's what we are working on."

The Italian-Swiss player, who is beginning his third season at the club, stressed the importance of continuity, stating that "I didn't have stability at other clubs. Ever since I was 26 I've always spent three or four years at each club, and that is better for a player."

Asked about the overhaul the squad is experiencing, with several of last season's players departing the club, Simone reasoned that "that's football. You have to restructure the team every year. I trust the club. They are going to build a competitive team."

Regarding the signings made by the team from the capital of Asturias to date, the defender commented that "I know the players and they are going to help us. I am happy about their arrivals. There will be competition, but it's healthy. I believe that this helps the team and the club. We all have to give it everything to meet the standard we need to meet. We need to get ourselves ready and concentrate on our work."

Finally, with respect to the aspects which the team needs to improve upon ahead of the start of the 2021/22 season, Grippo argued that "they are minor details. Everything is decided on small details in this division. We have defended well, but we have been punished too harshly for small issues. We have to improve tactically and find consistency in our results. We have to put together runs of wins. Form is crucial. We need to go on good runs to finish higher up the table."