Real Oviedo Head Coach Javi Rozada appeared before the Press this morning, following the team's training session at the Carlos Tartiere. "It's been a nice week, but we know where we are. We are towards the bottom of the table. We have prepared well for the match. Hopefully it will be the first victory at the Tartiere."
Rozada believes that "victories strengthen you. We are an improving team and we are working to put in good performances. We have to reinforce our identity and play at our best." Los Azules will have to do so against a newly-relegated Girona side, who have huge financial power and on-field ability, and the Coach thinks that it will be crucial not to concede. "If we keep a clean sheet, then we will be closer to winning. I believe in teamwork and we have to help each other to deal with any situation," he said, in a call for greater solidarity out on the pitch.
With some doubts remaining regarding his starting eleven for the match, Javi Rozada stated that "we will wait until tomorrow to see what we are going to do." He admitted to having encountered some doubts when he took charge, but explained that "we are looking for solutions, helping the players, and it's been as I had expected. It's an even division and we have to be prepared for the matches. The team is moving closer towards what I want."
Asked about Joselu's post on social media this week, the Real Oviedo Head Coach said that "I've spoken with him, as I do every week. He is a much-loved person because of how he is and because of what he gives us. I thought it was unfair that he felt he had to write that message. He does tremendous work for the team. People don't value what he does, but he will be an important player. We will see the best version of Joselu. He is much-loved."
Focused on a Girona side who arrive at the Tartiere under the stewardship of a former Real Oviedo player, Juan Carlos Unzúe, Rozada highlighted that "they are very dangerous up front, and have a lot of match-winning players in all areas of the pitch. We have to stop them through teamwork and solidarity. I am convinced that we are ready to compete."
He also had some affectionate words for the Real Oviedo captain, who has been in fantastic form in recent matches. "Saúl (Berjón) was never playing badly. The thing is that we always want him to play at this level. He has enormous talent. He has helped us a lot and makes everything easier. Iwill try to get the best out of him. Saúl is a match winner and is unbelievably committed."
Asked about the pitch, Rozada stated that "it is much better. We didn't have any luck with the pitch the day of the Zaragoza game, but work has been done and the pitch will be better. I don't think it's anything to worry about."
Finally, regarding the present-day situation for the team, the Coach said that "my message is to concentrate on each weekend. Anything can happen, but we have to take it one match at a time. The table will put us in our
place, but we have to find consistency. The lads appreciate the situation and compete with hunger and humility. I believe in the players. This is very tough and we have to make an effort. I don't think we should look at the playoff places. The fans have seen that this team gives everything and they have helped us. They want us to make an effort and to always compete."
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