Johannesson: “I have to keep working here”

Real Oviedo full back, Diegui Johannesson, appeared in the Press Room following his first training session with the group since his call-up to the Icelandic national team. He said that, “it was a marvellous and unforgettable experience. My father is proud of me; it’s our national team.”

Talking about the experience and how he was welcomed into the group, Diegui said that, “the team surprised me. Last time they hadn’t taken me in quite so well. They introduced me to everybody. I am very happy. The Coach spoke to me in English and told me what he needed from me. They play in a different way there, but I adapted, and everything was great.”

More specifically about his nation’s playing style and the two matches against the Czech Republic and Qatar, Diegui stated that, “they are very defensive there, very solid. Defending comes first, and then attacking. I was tired from travelling in the first game, but I made my ‘second debut’ and I was very happy. I played more in the second game and it was great. Qatar wanted the ball, and I was marking Afif. We got into a good position but eventually drew.”

Asked about the hypothetical possibility of receiving a call-up to represent Iceland in the World Cup in Russia, Johannesson believes that, “I know I have a chance, but I’m not thinking about it. I have to keep working here, especially since if I do that I will have a better chance to get back in the squad.” In addition, regarding how the Iceland Coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, will follow the squad’s progress during the coming months, Johannesson stated that, “he sees all of the matches of everyone in the squad. He told me he is going to watch me, and it’s all about working hard.”

Now back in Asturias, the full back is focusing on the next league fixture, saying that, “I spoke with the Head Coach when I got back. I told him I’m available for whatever he needs. He will decide what that is.”

Finally, regarding last weekend’s match in Tarragona, Diegui admitted that, “I couldn’t watch the whole thing. I suffered, but was eventually very happy when we won. We were in a meeting with the Iceland Coach at the time, but when it finished I had many messages telling me that we had won,” concluded the Asturian.