Real Oviedo Head Coach Javi Rozada today appeared in the Press Room at El Requexón.
Ahead of the clash at El Alcoraz, the Coach offered an update on players who will miss out, commenting that "Saúl has a knock, Tejera is suspended after receiving five yellows, Diegui has gastroenteritis, and Joselu is with the medical staff. Riki is going to travel with us, as is Marco (Sangalli), who is fine now. He's trained normally and will be available to play."
Regarding the possibility of Jimmy or Edu Cortina coming into the midfield, with Tejera suspended, the Oviedo-born coach admitted that "Sergio gives us experience, but there are players who can cover that with their talent and hunger. Whichever midfield plays will do well." In addition, ahead of the possible return of Lolo González to the starting eleven, Rozada highlighted that "he is playing well, confident and brings a lot to the team. He has been doing well and will still be important to the eleven. At the end of the day, we try to make the players adaptable and help them bring something to the team."
Asked about Michu's departure, Rozada admitted that "it's been a strange day. I always saw him first thing in the morning and we talked. You lose part of your daily routine and it's an unpleasant situation. It was his decision and I respect it. I'm not the coach he chose, but he collaborated with us and helped us. We had a lot of things in common, but life is like that. We have to keep going and be professional. I want to move Oviedo up the table; that is my responsibility. I am the Head Coach, I have my responsibilities, and I focus on that. It's normal for people to talk about Michu, but I am only worried about winning in Huesca. Michu did interesting things and is a true Oviedista."
With respect to the feeling in the dressing room regarding Michu's departure, the Coach said that "there are very-experienced players and others that I know very well. We have to stay calm, and I don't think it will affect the squad. The players have to be professional and ready to win in Huesca. The President called me and transmitted calm. Somebody else will come in, and we will wait and see how they view football. Right now, I am going to talk about the team, the situation we are in, and how to get out of it. Huesca have a great team and match-winning players. We have to focus on winning games."
Finally, regarding the opponent, Javi Rozada highlighted that "they are one of the three best teams in the division. In terms of play, they are the best team in the division. They have match-winning players and we will have to play with heart, because there will be very tough moments. The team has to stick together, because if we play individually they will create chances. We have to know how to read the match and be more of a team than ever."
