Real Oviedo striker Ibra Baldé today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
How have you felt upon returning to training? What differences are there in these training sessions compared to the ones last week?*
- Happy. Happy to be out of the house and starting training. This week, working in groups, has been better. We are training well and doing things well, much better than last week.
How has training been under LaLiga's protocol? Did you want to get back to working with the ball?*
- With respect to COVID-19, this protocol is serious and we have to do it. We have to fulfill the safety measures and do what they ask of us.
You are one of the players to have signed a contract extension until the end of the league season. Have you talked about possibly renewing at the end of the season?*
- I hope so. I've not spoken about it with the club. Right now what I have to do is train and wait to see what the club tells me. The only thing I know is that I have to be here every day.
What do you think about Oviedo being one of only 2 teams in Segunda not to apply for ERTEs (temporary redundancies)?*
- It shows the commitment that the club has to its employees. It says a lot about our President too, which is the best thing. With everything that is going on, you have to respect still being paid on time. We have to be committed and do the work as well as possible.
In matches where 5 substitutions are possible, does it make all of you being in good condition even more important, since you can prove decisive at any time?*
- Being allowed five changes will be helpful after two months in lockdown. I think it's good and something you will have to make the most of. The Coach will be happy to have five changes available.
The league is scheduled to return in three weeks... All in all, are you all physically ready or do you think the date is premature?*
- Given how we've been training, yes. We are working hard and we have the players to be prepared. We have to be aware. We are working well for what is coming.
You were always a player that had a very good relationship with the crowd. How do you picture playing without your fans there?*
- For me the Carlos Tartiere is incredible, and playing without them is not football. The Carlos Tartiere without my fans is not football, but we will have to adapt. It will seem strange, but we know they are supporting us from outside. When the Carlos Tartiere crowd is backing you it's something else.
Is there any news about coronavirus in your country?*
- It's arrived now. The people who were abroad have returned and spread it to everyone. It's a shame that there are now cases, because Africa is not the same as Europe.
People are talking about there being eleven 'cup finals' once this restarts. How do you see this period of the season?*
- I take it day by day, match by match. The first match is Ponferradina, and that is a 'cup final'. We have to take it match by match and be aware of what we have at stake. We have to be committed and take it one match at a time.
How is the squad doing?
- We have the best squad on a personal level; there are no problems. The young lads who stepped up and those of us with experience are very united.
