Real Oviedo Head Coach Javi Rozada today appeared in the Press Room at the Carlos Tartiere.

The Coach spoke to the gathered Press before his team trained at the stadium, beginning by giving an update on the state of his squad going into Sunday's encounter.  "We don't think Diegui (Johannesson) will be ready; he has a knock.  We'll see if Javi (Fernández) gets through training ok.  Saúl (Berjón) is getting up to speed and we'll see if he can get back for the Huesca or Almería match."

Ahead of the second half of the season, which begins this Sunday against Málaga, the Coach commented that "the first round of fixtures was hard and it was tough to move up the table.  A new season is starting now and we have to let the second half of it determine our season.  The team is ready, and we'll see how it goes.  We want to compete in the 21 remaining games and grow.  If we compete, we can finish up towards the top."  In addition, regarding the improvements he hopes to see in his team in the second half of the season, Rozada highlighted that "I'd like us to dominate matches more.  I think that the team needs to be more compact and build from transitions in play.  We do more damage with the ball than without it.  We have found in hard to create chances, and have to take charge more.  I am looking for us to dominate matches.  We need to have a recognisable style. We have to go out to win at the Tartiere, right from the first minute.  We can't wait for any opponent here.  There are moments to dominate and others to suffer.  We didn't create chances in the last few matches, and that can't happen."

Real Oviedo will not have Tejera or Arribas available against Málaga, due to suspension.  With respect to these absences, the Oviedo-born coach stated that "they are two important players.  They had been doing well, butthere are players available to come in."

Asked about possible arrivals during the winter transfer window, Javi Rozada highlighted that "we are talking about players with experience of the division.  I am not going to speak about positions.  We need reinforcements and the off-field staff are working on it.  This team needs to fit together quickly.  We have to motivate the lads who are going to come in.  They are quality players and they will give us a lot.  We need to get them involved quickly and let them help the team to grow."  However, the Coach said that "I am focusing on Málaga.  They are a direct rival in the table and strong.  That's what we have to talk about.  We will have to play very well.  It's time to take a step up and win on Sunday.  I look at their eleven, the changes and how they are playing.  They are a very good team.  They have options and a lot of experience.  We'll have to be humble and clinical to win."

Regarding the pitch, Rozada said that "it's better.  I don't think it's in a bad state.  We have to be optimistic.  They were working on it, and let's hope it's better."

Finally, with respect to the year just gone and the one now starting, Rozada concluded that "2019 was good, firstly with the B team and then with the first team.  I'm hoping for good health for everyone in 2020, and together we will move forward.  On the pitch, I just ask that we compete."