The Press Room at the Carlos Tartiere today hosted the presentation of the award for December's 'Jugador Cinco Estrellas', with Juanjo Nieto the winner. The full back, who continues to improve, has become an important figure in Javi Rozada's side, and has been recognised by fans of Los Azules. He won the vote held by the beer company on the Twitter profile @futbolmahou, where fans selected between the five players nominated. He was presented with the award by David García Fernández, from Cervecería La Raposa, on behalf of Mahou.
Having been presented with the prize, Juanjo Nieto spoke to the Press in attendance for the act, highlighting that "any award I receive is a compliment to hard work. The team earns these prizes through its work. I am grateful."
Regarding his feelings, the full back highlighted that "I feel good and in a good working rhythm. The second half of the season is going to be different; it will be positive. We hope our work will be reflected in the matches. We have to forget the first half of the season, because it wasn't good. We have to focus on what is coming up and on winning points. We are focusing on ourselves and on winning matches." In addition, with respect to the day-to-day demands, Juanjo commented that "I am happy with my performances. There are people pushing and you have to be at a high standard. The people who aren't playing are giving 100% and that pushes you on. We have to improve and analyse the mistakes we make. We are doing a lot of things well, but it's not going our way. We have to minimise ournerrors and push up the table."
Asked about the team's record at the Carlos Tartiere, the full back believes that "we aren't getting the points we should be getting at home. We are finding it hard, but we are doing well away from home. We have to improve in that area because it's what will keep us up."
Speaking about the winter transfer window, Juanjo Nieto stated that "there is movement at every club, but we try to perform and normalise it. I concern myself with my own matters and training. Whoever has to come in will do so; that's not our job. Focused on performing every day. We have a great team from the midfield forwards. We have very good players and we have to minimise our errors to get points."
Ahead of the Almería match, the Carbayón defender highlighted that "they have a good team and are doing things well. We played well against them here and will go there with huge hunger. We are prepared and will go for the win there."
Finally, regarding his goal scoring figures, Juanjo Nieto admitted that "it's not normal! Anything good that happens is a positive. I wish I got even more, because it would be good for me and for the club."
